Just Like I Said It'd Happen...

Islanders Hire Scott Gordon as New Head Coach

As I so boldly predicted in my previous entry, the Islanders have hired inexperienced(NHL-wise), but successful, AHL Coach of the Year Scott Gordon. Um...i really don't know what to say. I hope Coach Gordon doesn't take my remarks about him not being what the team needs as a slight(as if he would ever read this, but just to cover my behind). It was only my opinion that the Islanders, who are in the beginning stages of a youth-movement, or a rebuild as some would say, should hire a coach with NHL SUCCESS on his resume. A coach with said success would know what is expected and what it takes to be a winning team at the NHL level. BUT...I am just a fan...not the GM.
So here is what GM Garth Snow had to say about coach Gordon, as per the Islanders home page:

"Scott has been one of the top up-and-coming coaches in hockey and with good reason. Through his work in the minor leagues and most recently with Providence over the last eight years, he has gained an impeccable reputation. The entire Islanders organization looks forward to working with Scott."

Last season, Gordon led the Providence Bruins to an excellent record of 55-18-3, so maybe I have a reason to be optimistic. Maybe I just wanted a big name to come in and save the day, but maybe this Scott's chance to show us all what he's got and what has made him so successful.
So, from me to you Mr. Gordon, and on behalf of all Islanders fans...welcome to New York...now lets get this thing moving.

List Dwindles to Three....

According to sources, Islanders GM Garth Snow has narrowed his list of potential coaching candidates to three. The list consists of, in order of which I would like them to be hired, Bob Hartley, Paul Maurice and Scott Gordon.

With all due respect to Scott Gordon, I do NOT want a rookie coach...sure he has been at the AHL level, but that's not what this team needs. The Islanders need a coach to HELP mold the youth into a strong nucleus for the years to come, they don't need a coach to come over and grow on the job as the kids do. Sorry Scott, but this isn't your time.

Paul Maurice and Bob Hartley are both the best of whats left, with Bob Hartley being the winner in my eyes. He was booted quick last year, after an 0-6 start, but he has proven he can come in and help develop young stars. Maurice also helped shape the Hurricanes team into serious contenders with a mix of youth and experience. However, Maurice had an ugly season last year in Toronto...marred with big contracts on players not performing(JFJ's fault, not his) and stars getting hurt, the Leafs finished with a 36-35-11 record.

Newsday reports that Snow will make his decision during the week, but we shall see. I just hope that Garth realizes the youth movement doesn't mean we need a young inexperienced coach with ZERO NHL EXPERIENCE...Make the right choice Garth...hire Hartley. This public service announcement has be paid for by the Bob Hartley coaching campaign...just kidding, but i'll accept a percentage