Rangers Hire Former Kings Coach Neilson

Roger Neilson, who coached four NHL teams, including a brief stint with the Los Angeles Kings, was named coach of the New York Rangers today to succeed the fired Phil Esposito.

Neilson spent the last two seasons as a scout with the Chicago Blackhawks and a commentator for Canadian television.

Neil Smith, hired as New York’s general manager July 17, said Neilson was picked because “he’s one of the greatest teachers in this league and he’s perfect for the New York Rangers at this time.”

Neilson began his NHL coaching career in 1977 with Toronto. He joined Buffalo in 1979 as an associate coach under Scotty Bowman and was named coach of the Sabres for the final 26 games that season. He also coached Buffalo in 1980-81.

In 1982, Neilson served as coach of Vancouver while Harry Neale was suspended and took the Canucks to the Stanley Cup finals, where they lost in four games to the New York Islanders.

Neilson coached the Kings for 28 games in the 1983-84 season, when the team won 8, lost 17 and tied 3.

Neilson, 53, is the 25th coach in the Rangers 53-year history. He succeeds Esposito, known for his bold trades and fiery tactics, who was fired as coach and general manager May 24. Esposito fired Michel Bergeron April 1 with two games remaining and succeeded him as coach, thinking that the shake-up would inspire the club.

Overhaul Completed

But the Rangers lost their last two regular-season games to finish third in the Patrick Division and were swept in four games by Pittsburgh in the opening round of the playoffs.

The Rangers also completed their front office overhaul today. Former Toronto general manager Gord Stellick was named assistant general manager for operations, and ex-Hartford Whalers coach Larry Pleau was named assistant general manager and director of player development.

New York York named Paul Theriault as head coach of its International Hockey League affiliate at Flint, Mich.