Islanders tab Scott Gordon to be their man
The New York Islanders hired former Providence Bruins coach Scott Gordon last night to fill their coaching vacancy.
GM Garth Snow conducted an extensive search for a head coach following Ted Nolan’s departure in July. He interviewed several former NHL coaches, some of whom have won Stanley cups (John Tortorella and Bob Hartley).
In the end, though, Snow decided that Gordon was the man to reverse the Isles’ fortunes. Gordon earned AHL Coach of the Year honors last season and compiled a 221-141-20-27 record with Providence.
I feel that Snow made the correct move. Gordon has extensive experience grooming young players, a facet that made him attractive as the Islanders roster will certainly feature plenty of inexperience in the next few years. He stresses a strong defensive and positional hockey philosophy which should keep the team involved in many close games. A key factor is that Gordon is a former goaltender and should be in a position to enhance All Star netminder Rick Dipietro’s strengths and work with him on his weaknesses.
I like the fact that the job was given to a man who will be motivated to prove he can coach at the NHL level. Gordon brings an energy to the position that should be infectious and my guess is that the Islanders will ice a hardworking team every night.
The noted philosopher Lao Tze once said “A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” The team has a long way to go before they will be considered to be serious contenders. However, with hiring of Gordon, they make have taken that all important first step.
Author Bio
Frank has been a fan of the New York Islanders since seeing his first hockey game way back in 1977.
He reveled in the success of the Dynasty years and endured the time the team has spent in the basement of the league.
He also covers the Isles and New York Jets for www.sportstalkbuzz.com and writes a regular fantasy hockey column for www.rotoexperts.com.
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