NEW YORK — Alain Vigneault was given a five-year contract by the New York Rangers about a month after he was dismissed by the Vancouver Canucks and three weeks after the Rangers fired combustible coach John Tortorella.

Coincidentally, Tortorella is reportedly replacing Vigneault in Vancouver.

Dallas brings in Ruff as new coachDALLAS — Lindy Ruff was hired Friday the new coach of the Stars, 14 years after Dallas clinched its only Stanley Cup championship on a goal he has always questioned — Brett Hull’s shot with his skate in the crease late in the third overtime of Game 6 that beat the Ruff-coached Buffalo Sabres.

Coyotes give Tippett long-term contractPHOENIX — The Phoenix Coyotes have agreed to a long-term contract extension with coach Dave Tippett.The Coyotes have gone 156-96-42 and made the playoffs three times in Tippett’s four seasons with the team.