Rangers dump president, GM

The New York Rangers abruptly fired president John Davidson and general manager Jeff Gorton on Wednesday with three games left in the season.

Chris Drury was named president and GM. He previously served as associate GM under Davidson and Gorton.

The stunning move came less than 24 hours after the team ripped the league for fining but not suspending Washington’s Tom Wilson for his role in a scrum Monday night that injured Rangers star Artemi Panarin. In the statement, the team — not attributed to Davidson, Gorton or any individual — said the decision was a dereliction of duty and that George Parros was “unfit” to remain in his job as head of player safety.

It was not immediately clear if the front office shakeup had any connection to the statement. The Rangers postponed coach David Quinn’s pregame media availability Wednesday morning but did not give a reason why.

“We want to thank JD and Jeff for their contributions to the organization,” owner James Dolan said in a statement. “They are both great hockey professionals who worked hard for the Rangers, however, in order for the team to succeed in the manner our fans deserve, there needs to be a change in leadership.”

Whatever the reason, cutting ties with Davidson and Gorton is a shocking development given the apparent speed of New York’s rebuild. CAPITALS 4, RANGERS 2 » T.J. Oshie had a hat trick, Vitek Vanecek made 19 saves and Washington beat depleted New York in a fight-filled game.

The penalty boxes were overflowing for both teams. At one point, there were six Capitals crammed into the visiting box.

Wednesday’s game had six fights in the first period, commencing with a center-ice brawl right off the opening faceoff.

Rangers defenseman Brendan Smith then took on Wilson at the 50-second mark.

BRUCE BENNETT — POOL PHOTO VIA AP The Rangers’ Anthony Bitetto (22) and Washington’s Michael Raffl (17) fight during the first period on Wednesday in New York.