New York, NY

The New York Rangers dismissed coach John Tortorella after a season in which the heavy-favorite just barely got into the playoffs, then were crushed by the Boston Bruins in five games in the second-round.

Tortorella posted a 171-115-29 record behind the Rangers' bench after taking over for Tom Renney on Feb. 23, 2008.

He guided the Blueshirts to the postseason four times, with New York advancing to the Eastern Conference finals last campaign and playing into the second round this season.

Tortorella had controversial tactics though, often picking verbal fights with reporters and alienating top players like Brad Richards, who sat the final two games after an ineffective playoff run.

Just a few days after the hockey team was eliminated from the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the New York Rangers fired head coach John Tortorella. While the reason remains unclear, some reports say problems between players may have contributed to the firing

 

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Rangers Fire John Tortorella After Disappointing Finish