New York Rangers keep John Tortorella with new deal, report says

Updated: April 24, 2011, 1:00 PM ET

By Mike Mazzeo
Special to ESPNNewYork.com
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How the Rangers Can Improve

ESPN NHL Analysts Matthew Barnaby and Barry Melrose discuss the New York Rangers and how they can improve going into next season.

How the Rangers Can Improve

Looks like Torts will be sticking around.

According to the New York Post, New York Rangers coach John Tortorella has signed "what is believed to be" a three-year extension to remain behind the bench with the club. Tortorella's contract was set to expire at the end of the season.

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Citing anonymous sources, the Post reported that the two sides came together on a new pact "a couple months ago." The Garden and the Rangers would not comment.

The Rangers were eliminated from the playoffs after Sunday's 3-1 Game 5 loss to the Washington Capitals.

"I don't think our team is fully built yet, and I'll be honest, we're not there as far as talent," Tortorella told the Post after the Rangers were bounced in five games. "You look at where this Washington team was, and [how they added] draft picks.

"We're still in a process, trying to get better. There are areas with our team where we needed to be better. But we'll continue to build and continue to find our way."

Tortorella was hired on Feb. 23, 2009 and has guided the Rangers to two postseason appearances in his three years at the helm. Both times they failed to advance past the first round.

Mike Mazzeo is a regular contributor to ESPNNewYork.com.

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