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NHL

Sinking Rangers fire rookie coach Trottier

NEW YORK -- Bryan Trottier tormented the Rangers for 15 years when he starred for the hated Islanders.

After 54 games, the Rangers decided he'd caused them enough trouble as their coach, too.

Trottier, a rookie NHL coach, was fired Wednesday as the league's highest-paid team faces a sixth straight season without a playoff berth.

The Rangers have a payroll over $70-million but are last in the Atlantic Division just over halfway through the season at 21-26-6-1.

Trottier, arguably the Islanders' greatest player, replaced Ron Low in June but didn't last until February.

"I think he's a good coach," general manager Glen Sather said. "I just think at this time, under these conditions, with this group of players that maybe it wasn't the right fit."

Trottier was the seventh coach to lose his job this season.

Hit hard by injuries, the Rangers showed signs of getting back into the race, winning five of six heading into the weekend.

But the Thrashers, who have the second-fewest points in the NHL, beat New York twice in four days, sandwiched around a 7-2 loss at Washington on Sunday. New York was outscored 16-5 during the three-game losing streak.

"I made the decision that the team was sliding in the wrong direction," Sather said. "If I was going to do anything to try to salvage this season I had to do something in a hurry, put some shock value into the team and get the reality of the discipline that we need to have to win."

The Rangers plan to announce a new coach today, before they host the Avalanche.

REEKIE RETIRES: Defenseman Joe Reekie retired after a 17-year career in which he played for five teams, including the Lightning. Reekie had 25 goals, 139 assists and 1,326 penalty minutes in 902 career games.

TRADE: The Flyers picked up minor-league forward Eric Chouinard from the Canadiens for a second-round pick in this year's entry draft.

CANUCKS: Defenseman Bryan Helmer was sent to Manitoba of the AHL, clearing a roster spot for All-Star Ed Jovanovski. Jovanovski, out since Dec. 28 with a fractured left heel, spent most of practice skating with defensive partner Marek Malik but was noncommittal about his return.

KINGS: Injury-riddled Los Angeles placed goaltender Felix Potvin on injured reserve with a sprained right knee.

PANTHERS: Florida recalled defenseman Mathieu Biron from San Antonio of the AHL and sent down right wing Denis Shvidki and defenseman Kyle Rossiter.

SABRES: Erie County hired legal counsel to prevent the potential relocation of the bankrupt team. Prospective owners Mark Hamister and Todd Berman are intent on keeping the team in Buffalo, but bankruptcy opens the opportunity for outside parties to make competitive bids. ... Forward Chris Gratton will miss the next two games because of a mild concussion.

Wednesday's games

MAPLE LEAFS 3, HURRICANES 2: Mats Sundin had two power-play goals as Toronto snapped its scoring drought and three-game losing streak. Sundin snapped the Maple Leafs' seven-game 0-for-30 slump with the man advantage with his 21st and 22nd goals.

STARS 4, FLAMES 1: Marty Turco made 28 saves to stretch his unbeaten streak to 12 games, and Jere Lehtinen scored two goals for host Dallas.

OILERS 5, WILD 1: Jason Chimera had two goals and an assist, and Tommy Salo made 28 saves as host Edmonton tied Minnesota for second in the Northwest Division.

MIGHTY DUCKS 3, SENATORS 2: Steve Rucchin broke a tie at 2 with a goal at 14:48 of the third period to lift host Anaheim.

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