The Dallas Stars fired general manager Doug Armstrong on Tuesday after a disappointing 7-7 start following a third straight exit in the first round of the playoffs. Armstrong, the Stars general manager since 2002, left team headquarters in suburban Frisco without comment. No replacement was immediately named. The team said it planned to hire an interim GM. The firing came three days after the Stars blew a four-goal lead in the third period and lost 6-5 in overtime to the Los Angeles Kings. "I thought that the team needed a change in direction," Stars owner Tom Hicks said. "I know that change can be healthy, and it was my determination that this move needed to be made."