from Craig Custance of ESPN (paid subscription),

The general belief is that Tortorella is safe this season, but his job could be in trouble if the Rangers miss the playoffs. That's fair. He's a veteran coach who has earned the opportunity to guide this team into the postseason. But there are some observers who believe he is getting in the way of success in New York.

The change might not be firing Tortorella but perhaps having him loosen the reins on his offensive catalysts.

"Their coach wants them to play a style that is not conducive to the players they have," said the longtime scout. "Torts is so intense and so intent in his ways. In the process, they have a lot of skill on that team and they dump and chase, they bang and crash. That's why they have trouble scoring. They don't utilize the skill people they have."

more on the Rangers with a bit more than usual for non-subscribers...