Torts is gone...

The NYR have officially fired Tortorella!

Rangers coach John Tortorella was fired Wednesday, just four days after the team was eliminated from the playoffs in five games by the Boston Bruins.

The Rangers first announced his dismissal on its verified Twitter account and then on its website.

In remarks on Monday, Tortorella gave no indication that he was on the verge of being ousted and spoke about attending the team's organizational meetings at the end of the month.

Tortorella said the team took "a step sideways" after reaching the Eastern Conference Finals in 2012, and star goaltender Henrik Lundqvist, whose contract is up after next season, said in brief but pointed remarks that the team took "a step back." Lundqvist had another stellar season, but the team's inability to score goals was frustrating to him.

There was no immediate word on a replacement for Tortorella, who guided the Rangers to three straight playoff appearances. President and General Manager Glen Sather planned a conference call at 2:15 p.m.

Tortorella was hired in February 2009 to replace Tom Renney. Tortorella, who won a Stanley Cup with Tampa in 2004, passed Renney for fourth on the Rangers' all-time coaching wins list with a 3-2 shootout victory on April 10, 2013 vs. Toronto.

Although he has had an abrasive relationship with the media during his term, Tortorella, a former assistant coach of the U.S. Olympic team, was widely expected to return for another season despite the team's up and down season after the lockout.

Among the experienced NHL coaches available are Lindy Ruff and Alain Vigneault, and highly regarded Dave Tippett has not yet signed a deal in Phoenix.

Torts is gone...

I also heard Marc Crawford as a contender for the position.