NHL: Tortorella to be named Rangers head coach
John Tortorella will be named the New York Rangers head coach, replacing Tom Renney who was fired this afternoon. TSN reports Tortorella is on his way to New York while the Rangers and Lightning work on reaching an agreement. Tortorella fired by the Lightning after the 07-08 season, is still under contract and must be granted permission. Tortorella led the Lightning to the franchise’s first Stanley Cup title in the 2003-04 season as the Bolts defeated the Calgary Flames in seven games. His 239 career wins is second to only Peter Laviolette as the most ever by an American-born NHL coach. Source: TSN.CA
Rangers fire Tom Renney; Tortorella under consideration
The New York Rangers have fired head coach Tom Renney with 21 games left in the season. The Rangers are currently in sixth place in the Eastern Conference and have only two wins in their last 12 games. TSN Insider Bob McKenzie speculated on NHL live that former Tampa Bay Lightning head coach John Tortorella could likely take over as the Blueshirts next bench boss. The Rangers are looking to move to a more up-tempo system. Tortorella is expected to garner consideration from the Penguins this summer if they decide not to retain Interim head coach Dan Bylsma. All four NHL teams that opened the NHL season in Europe have now fired their head coaches this season.