The New York Islanders fired Ted Nolan last month and have been interviewing a number of candidates recently. There was really no reason given besides the usual, “going in another direction” and “disagreed in personnel moves” standard press release fodder.

So far the Isles have interviewed Bryan Trottier, Scott Gordon, Mike Sullivan, John Tortorella and Bob Hartley.

Lets Look at the Choices:

Hartley: Odds 7:1

Won Stanley Cup with Colorado in 2000-2001. Never finished below 1st in the NorthWest conference.
Made the playoffs just once with Atlanta in 4 seasons before getting fired after starting 0-6 last season.

Trottier: Odds 23:3

Lasted less than one season as head coach of the Rangers. Went 21-26-7
He might be a popular choice among Islander fans still clinging to the dynasties of the mid-80s.

Gordon: Odds 17:3

Played for the Johnstown Chiefs in the ECHL. Coached a number of ECHL teams
Current head coach of the Providence Bruins. Assistant coach of the Providence Bruins (served under head coach Mike Sullivan during his tenure.)
His Massachusetts connections could be a plus with Garth Snow

Sullivan: Odds 5:1

In his only AHL season as head coach of the Providence Bruins his team had a 41–17–9–4 record.
Former Boston Bruins head coach.
Spent last season as an assistant coach in Tampa

Tortorella: Odds 9:1
Won a cup with Tampa Bay.
Has a .533 winning percentage.
Considered a goalie killer.

I think Sullivan will get the job. He’s young. He has Boston connections (a Snow requirement) and a decent record in the NHL.  He’d bring less baggage than the other coaches and would allow Snow more of a chance to coach from the owner’s box.

Pass it on

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