Out of Playoffs Again, Rangers Fire Low

The New York Rangers’ NHL-high payroll no longer includes Coach Ron Low.

The Rangers fired Low on Monday after two losing seasons and zero postseason appearances despite base player salaries totaling about $70 million in 2001-02.

The team went 36-38-4-3 this season and finished 11th in the Eastern Conference. It was the fifth straight year New York failed to make the playoffs.

“I don’t think it’s just the coach’s responsibility in a situation like this. We all share equally in this,” Ranger President and General Manager Glen Sather said. “But in every situation, someone ends up taking the blame and it’s generally the coach. It’s unfortunate, but it’s the way it has to be.”

Low’s record in New York was 69-81-9-4.

“We had to do something,” Sather said. “We wanted to go into next year with a fresh start and fresh ideas. That’s what we’re doing.”

Ken Hitchcock, who coached Dallas to the 1999 Stanley Cup title, is a candidate to replace Low, Sather said. The Stars fired Hitchcock in January.

“I’ve spoken to Dallas and I’ve received permission” to talk to Hitchcock, Sather said.

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Phoenix forward Brad May is facing a possible assault charge for fighting with a nightclub bouncer and two Maricopa County Sheriff’s deputies at Scottsdale, Ariz.

The incident occurred Sunday when May argued with the bouncer at the Cat Eye Lounge and wanted to move to the front of the line, Sheriff Joe Arpaio said. When two deputies intervened, May punched one in the face and wrestled with the other, he said. The deputies handcuffed May to subdue him, Arpaio said. May was not arrested.

An assault charge could be filed this week against May, who appeared to be drunk during the incident, Arpaio said.

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Petr Sykora is questionable for the Devils’ playoff opener against the Carolina Hurricanes on Wednesday night because of a sore right ankle. Also, veteran right wing Stephane Richer is not going to accompany the team to Carolina because of a lingering injury to his left foot.

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San Jose recalled defenseman Steve Bancroft and right wing Jonathan Cheechoo from Cleveland of the AHL.... Rensselaer Polytechnic’s Marc Cavosie, the Eastern College Athletic Conference player of the year, signed with Minnesota, giving up his last year of college eligibility.... Joe Fisher, who played in two games for the 1943 Stanley Cup champion Detroit Red Wings, died Saturday at Medicine Hat, Canada. He was 85.