PHOENIX – The Phoenix Coyotes agreed Friday to a long-term contract extension with Coach Dave Tippett.

Tippett reportedly had wanted to wait and see what happens with the uncertain ownership situation before making a decision to stay with the Coyotes, parent team of the Portland Pirates..

The Coyotes have gone 156-96-42 and made the playoffs three times in Tippett’s four seasons with the team, despite the fact that the franchise was owned by the NHL and had strict financial restrictions during that time.

In 2011-12, the Coyotes went 42-27-13, won the franchise’s first division title and advanced to the Western Conference finals for the first time.

Earlier this year the team reached a long-term deal to extend the contract of General Manager Don Maloney.

RANGERS: One week after emerging as the leading coaching candidate, Alain Vigneault agreed to a five-year contract.

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Vigneault was dismissed as the Vancouver coach May 22 after seven years.

CANUCKS: After two interviews, John Tortorella was in Vancouver to discuss an offer to replace Vigneault, who, in an odd juxtaposition, was introduced as the Rangers coach Friday.

Vancouver ownership reportedly wants a culture change and a crack-the-whip approach, and Tortorella, who was 171-115-29 and made the playoffs in four of five seasons with the Rangers, should fit the bill.

STARS: Lindy Ruff is the now the coach of the team that clinched its only Stanley Cup championship on a goal he has always questioned.

Ruff was hired by the Stars 14 years after he joined thousands of Buffalo fans in the chant of “No goal!” in the aftermath of Brett Hull’s Cup-clinching shot late in the third overtime of Game 6 in the 1999 Stanley Cup finals.

“It’s a long time ago,” Ruff said after being introduced. “I’ve had some great memories. I’ve gotten past that. I’m a coach, I want to coach, and this is an unbelievable opportunity.”

That was the Sabres’ only Stanley Cup finals appearance under Ruff, in his second season as Buffalo’s coach.


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