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Jeff Gorton on Alain Vigneault’s firing: ‘It’s time for a change’

GREENBURGH, N.Y. — Rangers general manager Jeff Gorton said the decision to fire coach Alain Vigneault after five seasons had been made in the last week or so of the season, had nothing to do with Vigneault’s postgame remarks after Saturday’s 5-0, season-ending loss in Philadelphia, and was more of a “general change.’’

“I just think that after five years, we think it’s time for a change,’’ Gorton said of Vigneault, who guided the Rangers to a 34-39-9 record this season and a 226-147-37 record in his five-year tenure.

Gorton said assistant coaches Scott Arniel and Darryl Williams were let go on Sunday, but assistant coach Lindy Ruff is still with the club, at least until Gorton and he have a conversation.