Islanders hire Scott Gordon as coach

[Lil Bit Special]

http://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/islanders/ny-spisles0813,0,3307014.story

If it was a big name the Islanders wanted to fill their head-coaching vacancy, the long list of candidates interviewed by general manager Garth Snow included a couple of Stanley Cup winners and another coach who had reached the Cup Finals. But Snow wasn't looking to make a big splash. He was looking for the right man to mentor the organization's young prospects, someone with the patience to cultivate the ones capable of turning the Isles into a consistent winner.

After a monthlong search and interview process, Snow settled Tuesday upon Scott Gordon, the only name on his list without experience as a head coach in the NHL. A 14-year career spent coaching in the minors, including the past five seasons as head coach of Providence, likely taught Gordon something about patience.

He compiled a 221-141-20-27 record with Boston's top farm club and earned AHL coach of the year honors last season when the P-Bruins went 55-18-3.

After his controversial split with former Islanders coach Ted Nolan four weeks ago, Snow was intent on identifying a coach in tune with his philosophy of nurturing young players in key roles. Reflecting on the interview process, Snow said: "Scott Gordon really stood out

"Any successful coach has to have great communication skills. I noticed from the first handshake that we were able to communicate whether we were talking about the technical part of the game or about how to build a consistent contending team. We had a lot of the same thought processes. I think he's going to do an outstanding job with our young players, and he will communicate well with veterans, too."

Gordon was not available to the media Tuesday night, but the Islanders plan to introduce him at a 1 p.m. news conference Wednesday at Nassau Coliseum. Terms of his multiyear contract were not announced.

To get the job, Gordon had to beat out a field of candidates that included former Stanley Cup winners John Tortorella and Bob Hartley and Cup finalist Paul Maurice. The list also included NHL head-coaching veterans Marc Crawford and Mike Sullivan and current Isles assistant Gerard Gallant, who formerly was head coach in Columbus.

Snow's decision to dip into the minor-league ranks could be viewed as part of a growing trend in the NHL. Washington hired Bruce Boudreau out of the AHL last season, and Atlanta tabbed Calder Cup winner John Anderson from the AHL this summer. Florida hired junior coach Peter DeBoer out of the Ontario Hockey League recently, and San Jose gave Detroit assistant Todd McLellan his first head-coaching chance in the NHL.

"I do notice that trend," Snow said, "but the bottom line is that, if you're a good coach, you're going to have success anywhere."

Snow said he wasn't opposed to recycling a coach. "There were a lot of fantastic hockey minds who came in to share their thoughts,"

Snow said. "I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to meet them and talk hockey ... It was a rigorous process, and Scott really excelled. Scott Gordon is the right coach for this team."

The Isles GM said the fact that he and Gordon both are former goaltenders had no influence on his selection. On the other hand, Gordon's feel for the position should be an asset in handling All-Star goaltender Rick DiPietro over the next 13 years of his contract. DiPietro has had surgery on both hips and his left knee in the past 16 months, and there is some concern about monitoring his schedule to make sure he isn't overworked.

"I have no doubt that Scott, being a former goalie, will know how to address that part of our team," Snow said.

Describing the style of play to expect under Gordon, Snow added: "He's adamant about playing a tight defensive system. He's going to make a difference, starting with our defensive zone. The neutral-zone forecheck will be different, too. It's going to be a great fit for our players."

Current Islanders assistant coaches Gallant, John Chabot and Dan Lacroix are expected to be retained. Snow had no problem with their performance last season, and naming his own staff wasn't an issue for Gordon.

With little more than five weeks remaining until training camp, the rookie coach can use their help to quickly familiarize himself with the Islanders' personnel.

[faba]

It figured they would bring in someone that never coached in the NHL before.

[Lil Bit Special]

It figured they would bring in someone that never coached in the NHL before.

of course. snow wants his guy to follow his way. No good NHL coach will allow that, so go for a guy who wants it and may not get another chance at it.

We'll be good enough for 8th place and a first round exit. Yay.

[Thai Jet]

of course. snow wants his guy to follow his way. No good NHL coach will allow that, so go for a guy who wants it and may not get another chance at it.

We'll be good enough for 8th place and a first round exit. Yay.

You think Snow would know better. It didn't work with Teddy and it won't work with this guy. I can't see them even making the playoffs this year.

[Jetkid94]

this coach was the best choice to develop the kids. He was a beast in the AHL, and is a great defensive coach.

I love the move.

[Jade Green]

LETS GO RANGERS!!!

[McGraw38]

Being a Sabres fan I don't really keep track of the Islanders that much, how is the team shaping up this year?

Let's Go Buffalo!

[war ensemble]

Nice tags, Lil Bit.

I don't see this translating well--I thought Snow would've already learned his lesson but he repeats the same mistakes. I don't know how a great defensive coach in the AHL will work out in the NHL, so it's a gamble.