NEW YORK -- The New York Rangers' NHL-high payroll no longer includes coach Ron Low.

The Rangers fired Low on Monday after two losing seasons and zero postseason appearances despite base salaries totaling about $70 million in 2001-02.

The team went 36-38-4-3 this season and finished 11th in the Eastern Conference. It was the fifth straight year New York failed to make the playoffs.

"I don't think it's just the coach's responsibility in a situation like this. We all share equally in this," Rangers president and general manager Glen Sather said. "But in every situation, someone ends up taking the blame and it's generally the coach. It's unfortunate, but it's the way it has to be."

Sather would not say what, specifically, Low did wrong.

"I'm not going to get into anything negative," the GM said. "Ron is a hard-working guy."

Sather is holding a position in the organization for Low in case he's not hired by another team before next season.

"There's a job for him if he's looking for one," he said.

The Rangers led the conference standings in early December and were atop the Atlantic Division as late as Jan. 5. But the team went 3-11-1 from Dec. 31-Feb. 6, sinking its season.

The roster featured seven players who were at the Salt Lake City Olympics, including stars such as goaltender Mike Richter, defenseman Brian Leetch and forward Eric Lindros.

Sather added high-scoring forward Pavel Bure at the trading deadline, but the Rangers still fell short of the playoffs despite his late flurry of goals.

Low's record in New York was 69-81-9-4. He missed one game this season to attend the funeral of his brother, who died of cancer.

In seven NHL seasons, including five with the Edmonton Oilers, Low is 208-243-49-4.

"We had to do something," Sather said. "We wanted to go into next year with a fresh start and fresh ideas. That's what we're doing."

Ken Hitchcock, who coached the Dallas Stars to the 1999 Stanley Cup title, is a candidate to replace Low, Sather said. The Stars fired Hitchcock in January and didn't qualify for the playoffs.

"I've spoken to Dallas and I've received permission" to talk to Hitchcock, Sather said.

Asked what he likes about Hitchcock, Sather said: "Just his history."

When asked about former Sabres coach Ted Nolan as a possible candidate, Sather said: "Would I consider Teddy Nolan? Sure."

Rangers captain Mark Messier has said he's not interested in coaching the team.

Low, a former NHL goaltender, was liked by his players but was sometimes perceived to be under pressure to cater to Sather's wishes. On Sunday, Sather strongly denied reports he gave advice during games to Low via a walkie-talkie.

When the Rangers were eliminated from playoff contention, Low said he thought the Rangers had played hard for him. He blamed the team's problems on injuries to Lindros and Messier and poor special teams play.