The Rangers Should Bring John Tortorella Back NOW!

John Tortorella should be the Rangers coach right now. Make that, right this minute!

If anyone can awaken this sleepwalking bunch of underachievers it is the ex-firebrand, formerly of Philadelphia.

For the Madison Square Garden moguls, the Philly firing is exactly what the Rangers need – as quickly as possible.

"Call it right time, right place, right guy," says The Old Scout, "for the right reason – the homestretch push.

Even Peter Laviolette's staunchest supporters – assuming there are any left –  would have to concede that half the time, Lavvy's skaters play as if they're dead from the neck up.

The Rangers have had enough of Laviolette' Sunday Kind of Love. That's why the Fat Cats have been spoiled rotten.

"There's no question but the talent is there," adds The Old Scout. "It's just that the talent is egregiously unde-rproducing and nobody is better at jolting a hockey club back to its senses than Torts."

He also would instantly fix the dormant power play because the Rangers' PP is like a kiddy popgun from Toys R Us.

And if you're wondering who will benefit, try these names on for size:

* ALEXIS LAFRENIERE: This overpaid do-little needs a swift kick in the toosh since it can't be to his wallet. John T would unspoil Big Al in two-shakes-of-a-lamb's tail.

* MIKA ZIBANEJAD: The media's favorite Alibi Ike has been coddled beyond belief by Lavvy.  Torts' patented "Unspoil Machine" would teach The Z Man the difference between being a minus and a plus player – which he should be. Plus, that is.

* VINCENT TROCHECK: Last year's hero has been this year's Exhibit A of a build-up to a letdown. We know the talent is there but what's happened to Vinny's old-time American hustle? (He might have left it in Pittsburgh.)

* J.T. MILLER: Torts would give The Man the Captain's "C" and get it over with already. Naturally a Rangers Torts hire would have to be made by owner Jim Dolan. What I do know about Gentleman Jim is that he's a man of action.

His Rangers have been playing like they'll make some positive action,they'd rather read Action Comics.

What Torts would teach them is ACTION. Period!