Rangers Fire Coach Low

NHL teams

First to get the axe was head coach Ron Low, who was fired Monday.

"I would like to thank Ron for his service and dedication to the Rangers' organization over the past two seasons, but at this time I feel a change is necessary at the head coaching position," general manager Glen Sather said. "An extensive, thorough search for a new head coach will begin immediately."

Despite an inflated payroll and the late-season acquisition of Pavel Bure from the Florida Panthers, the Rangers were unavailable to reach the post-season play for fifth straight year.

The 52-year-old Low guided the Rangers to a 36-38-4-3 record, finishing fourth in the Atlantic Division and 11th in the Eastern Conference with 80 points. In his two seasons, Low was 69-81-9-4.