NEW YORK — Tom Renney was fired as coach of the Rangers on Monday and replaced by John Tortorella in an attempt to save a season that has spiraled out of control.
The Rangers opened 10-2-1, but 10 losses in the last 12 games have knocked the team out of contention for the Atlantic Division title and placed it in danger of missing the playoffs.
Tortorella led the Lightning to the Stanley Cup title in 2004 and was let go following last season.
Renney, a former coach of the Canucks, was 164-121-42 with the Rangers in four- plus seasons.
“I’ve been thinking about it the last couple of weeks,” general manager Glen Sather said. “I wish it hadn’t have come to this, but it did.”
Assistant coach Perry Pearn was also fired.
Brodeur ready to go
NEWARK, N.J. — Martin Brodeur is ready to play for the Devils, and all the four-time Vezina Trophy winner is waiting for is his first starting assignment since having elbow surgery roughly four months ago.
“I told them I am feeling ready,” Brodeur said after an hour-long practice. “It’s up to them to see and look at me and feel comfortable.”
The Devils have three home games this week, facing the Avalanche on Thursday, Florida on Saturday and Philadelphia on Sunday.
Coach Brent Sutter refused to pick a date for Brodeur’s return, saying he wants to see how the goalie does at practice the next two days.
Footnotes.
Flyers center Danny Briere (groin) has delayed his return to the lineup to Friday against Montreal.
• Center Mike Modano missed the Stars’ game against the Sharks because of the flu.
The Associated Press
