The two-year marriage of inconvenience between Islanders general manager Garth Snow and coach Ted Nolan ended today. Irreconcilable differences over the direction of the franchise led to a mutual decision by Snow and Nolan, who met earlier this morning at Nassau Coliseum, to part ways.
Nolan quickly gained popularity with Islanders fans in his first season when his motivational touch and hard-working style of play produced an eighth-place finish in the Eastern Conference and a playoff berth by a team most experts picked to finish near the bottom of the NHL. But last season’s playoff hopes faded because of injuries and a series of distracting internal disputes between Nolan and Snow, and several key players apparently lost faith in the coach’s methods.
The rift between Nolan and the organization became apparent last spring after his request for a contract extension before the final year of his three-year contract was denied by owner Charles Wang. When Snow became convinced that Nolan did not share his belief in rebuilding by emphasizing the development of the organization’s young prospects, he made the decision to end the power struggle and seek a partnership with a coach of his own choosing.
Describing the reasons for making a coaching change, Snow said, “There were philosophical differences between Ted and myself. Since last season and continuing into the summer, I have realized we don’t share the same philosophies. I’d like to thank Ted for his two years with the team and wish him the best.”
Asked why it took three months since the end of the season reach this conclusion, Snow said, “That’s a fair question. This has been a difficult decision for both Ted and myself, especially for me because of Charles Wang’s desire to give Ted the opportunity to coach in the NHL and because of his loyalty to those he hires.
“I understand there could be some criticism, and if there is, it can fall on me. What I can tell you is there was a process. I spoke with Ted regularly following the season and when the draft and free agency ended. Our strong belief about our philosophical differences led me to believe, and Ted as well, that we needed to part ways. I know this decision will be best for not only the team and our fans, but for Ted as well.”
No successor is in place, but Snow said he plans to begin a search for a replacement “as soon as possible.” Three logical candidates who figure to be on the list include Paul Maurice, John Tortorella and Bob Hartley. Those three were fired last season by Toronto, Tampa Bay and Atlanta, respectively. There is a strong connection between Snow and Hartley, who once coached the Isles’ GM.
Former Islanders stars Bryan Trottier, who is now executive director of player development, and Butch Goring, who is a part-time television commentator, are not expected to join the list of candidates, and neither is Jack Capuano, who coaches the team’s AHL affiliate in Bridgeport.
Nolan, who compiled a two-season record of 75-68-21, must be paid for the final year of his contract, which is believed to be in the vicinity of $600,000 per year. In a statement released by the Islanders, Nolan said: “While I am disappointed I will not be coaching the Islanders next season, there have been philosophical differences and we’ve agreed it’s a good time for me to move on. I want to thank the Islanders organization for giving me a chance to coach in the NHL again.”
It was Wang who hired Nolan two years ago in an earlier shakeup that saw former general manager Mike Milbury moved out of hockey operations to become vice-president of marketing. Nolan had been out of the NHL for nine seasons after a two-year coaching stint in Buffalo ended in a controversy that also cost Sabres GM John Muckler his job. Nolan, who is a member of Canada’s First Nation, expressed the belief that racial bias was partly to blame for his long absence from the league.
After hiring Nolan, Wang named former Rangers president Neil Smith as the Islanders’ GM. But after only 40 days on the job, Smith was fired because he resisted the management-by-committee approach favored by Wang, who replaced him with Snow, who was the Isles’ backup goaltender at the time.
In their first season working together, things seemed to go smoothly for Snow and Nolan. No one was more excited than Nolan when Snow pulled off the trade for Edmonton forward Ryan Smyth to help with the playoff drive, and no one was more disappointed than the coach when they lost Smyth and several other free agents last summer. But Nolan was heavily involved in all the personnel decisions when Snow signed free agents Bill Guerin, Mike Comrie, Ruslan Fedetenko, Jonathan Sim and Andy Sutton a year ago.
As the season progressed, differences between Snow and Nolan became apparent. Nolan preferred to rely on tested veterans, while Snow privately urged him to give more playing time to such young players as Jeff Tambellini, Blake Comeau and Frans Nielsen. Snow also was concerned about the Isles’ 29th-ranked power play and Nolan’s refusal to give young players an opportunity and his insistence on playing forward Miroslav Satan at the point, where he committed several turnovers.
Nolan’s 1-3-1 defensive system in which one defenseman was designated to mirror the opposing center as he entered the Isles’ zone was another bone of contention. When Nolan finally changed the defensive system, and the injury-weakened Islanders shut down high-powered Pittsburgh in a 4-1 home win in late March, Snow took it as a sign that the Islanders should have been playing that way all along.
As the season deteriorated, the flare-ups between Snow and Nolan became more public. Snow second-guessed the coach’s decision to play backup goalie Wade Dubielewicz ahead of a healthy Rick DiPietro during a radio interview before a home game against the Rangers in early March. The coach carped about not being invited to the “Core of Four” dinner celebrating the Islanders’ Stanley Cup teams from 1980-83, which later was disputed by a team source.
The rift grew when Nolan raised the contract extension issue and then complained publicly about Snow’s characterization of his role in the decision to part with Dubielewicz in free agency. When it came time for the draft and free-agent signings this summer, Nolan was completely out of the decision-making loop.
The break was irretrievable, so, the divorce became final today.
Comments (113)
ted thanks for your effort. hire trottier
Big time bummer. I thought Nolan was starting to gain the trust of the players. Combine that with their draft and all things seemed to be coming together.
Man, what to do...
And the Islanders continue to embarrass us with their stumbling, bumbling ways....
Will Tortorella or Hartley sign up for what seems to be a continual rebuilding process? I'd be surprised but NHL coaches are nomads so we'll see who ends up coaching. I almost don't want to see Trots end up as coach because I don't want to see it end badly, as it always seems to do with our Isles.
"Just my opinion. This must be taken care of Mr. Wang and Mr. Snow....Not in a week, not by the opening night, and not by the all star break.....NOW !!!"
-Steady from the previous thread
Wow...the oracleness astounds me. Got to hand it to Snow this time. As much as people will complain (and trust me I really wanted Nolan to work out), getting rid of Nolan now rather then in the middle of the season is the right move.
This does hurt the organization's reputation a little bit but it could be worse. Now the question is who will be coming here? Who would want to come here?
It was my opinion that Nolan's coaching was what caused the Islanders to go beyond what the "experts" all predicted. I guess we truly are in the Tavares sweepstakes now.
This is a sad day.
I really like Ted Nolan. Considering the philosophical differences and the direction (correct, IMO) this team is taking, the split had to happen. But I can't help thinking back to the Al Arbour-coached Pittsburgh game. The fact that Ted set that up - the way it ended - the feeling that I and apparently the players had about their coach. Everything behind the Islander bench at that time just finally felt so right... after so many years of question marks. Ted Nolan as coach was one of the few things that I could take pride in as an Islander fan. League-wide he was respected even by the most ardent Islander-bashers. "Your team and organization sucks", they'd say, "but you've got a great coach."
This is just a very sad day.
I agree with Healy. Fact is, we are rebuilding and Nolan dod not want to sign on for that. That's his right. The key word here is "mutual" and I truly believe it was.
The media - who knows nothing about hockey - will jump all over us because all any hockey writer in the US can ever say about the Islanders is "never count out Nolan working miracles with no talent." So whatever - it's nothing new. Fact is there IS talent that shouldn't be playing behind Chris Simon.
I wish Nolan the best - he's a great coach, but not the right guy for this team. We tried to make moves to fortify a veteran team for him, but this franchise can't play that game.
We need a coach who is known for working in young players to develop the young talent here into a winner. We'll be portrayed as a laughingstock, but we're not. This was a gutsy call by Garth and better done now than in December.
Yes a sad day but the handwriting was on the wall. My fear is that who'll coach here? Look on the bright side - maybe we won't have to see Andy Hilbert this year.
this is a great move. clearly, there were differences among snow and ted. ted relied on vetreans way too much and snow wanted the young guys in. nolan showed no confidence in the young guys and that is what led to today's happenings. i am so happy we are in complete rebuilding mode. and btw, count is in as offical contestants for the john tavares sweepstakes if snow has his way
sad day...I agree
Oracle works even when i don't want it too :) :)
This move had to be done....Snow asked that the "waiting" be on him and not Wang....Well, takes two too party Garth !! Your both to blame.
If any of those re-tread coaches are hired I will puke !!!
AZS : Good post on the other thread and in a way you are right. I do not want to re-hash our back and forth last year, but I guess in a way I am playing both sides of the fence. Fair enough!
If I am the Rangers, Caps, etc...... I would really consider Nolan. The guy can coach !!!
*** Now it is all on you Garth....Go get YOUR coach....Get a guy that can lead kids....Get a guy you LIKE .... get a guy Free Agents want to play for...GET SOME STABILITY !!! Enough is Enough !!!
ALL ON YOU NOW !!! ENJOY THE HEAT !!!
f5
My guess on where Nolan ends up...
Tampa
(I just hope it's not a flip-flop).
Who will they hire to coach the team a Backup Goalie??
Nolans record with some of the worst hockey talent (if you include injuries and what they had to play with)
75 -68 -21 (and made the playoffs the first year)
WOW....The guy can coach.
I pray you are all right about Snow. I hope I am wrong. If Snow blows this next hiring and does not do the job you all think he is capable of......WE ARE TOAST !!!
Smith - LaFontaine - Nolan .... ?????
I cannot believe your Icelanders let Nolan go....this is nothing more than a "Snowjob", and from a hockey fans point of view, I feel bad for you folks....and I'm not being sarcastic here.
Horrible.
I don't know what to say, except this... just when you think the Islanders are getting their act together, they always do something to remind you that they're the #2 team in New York for a reason.
Not to be a shill or anything, but I said my piece here... http://www.nyhockeyrivalry.com/2008/07/holy-crap-isles-fire-nolan.html
Fantastic
I was actually shocked when I read the news about Nolan. But I agree he is the type of coach who wants to win every game and that is hard to work with when you are rebuilding. Not that a coach shouldn't want to win every game, but you need to be focused on winning the war, not the battle.
As steady says, Snow will have no one else to blame from now on.
Kevin T.
This Team Doesn't have a Clue what they are doing!!
Wang should sell this team also! He always tries to be different
Good Luck trying to sell any tickets for this garbage team
Breaking News: The Islanders just Hired Eric Fichaud as their new head Coach
Hartly - Won a cup
Tortorella - Won a cup
Maurice - Lost a cup final
Nolan - coach with a rep as a GM killer who got bounced from Buff - a team that has improved in his absence ...a coach that over plays vets - ignores youth ...blames his 9 year vacation from the NHL on race which always bothered me because he doesn't take accountability for his actions in Buff.
Good luck Teddy ...take Stone Hands Hilbert with ya ...
Corey, thats funny ...and by funny I mean played out ...
If you've got such a problem then don't go to games - oh wait, you probably don't go anyways ...
stop you whinning and go to the Garden
Writing was on the wall. Ted not being onboard with the youth movement got him a pink slip. Visit my blog at:
http://floridaislesfan.blogspot.com/
**People talk about fans not wanting to go to games and it gets really annoying. Islander "fans" are the worst in sports and the best in sports ...what I mean by that is this - there are the people who go to games regardless of how the team is playing - they are the best fans in sports. Then there are those who refuse to go until the team is winning - they are frontrunners which in my opinion are the worst kind of fans in sports.
As someone who goes to every game I would like to thank Snow for getting rid of Nolan because I would rather pay my money and watch a bunch of kids who are giving it their all then a bunch of vets only getting ice time because of their time on the job. It's ironic that the pic Newsday chose to use has Nolan standing behind Tamby (on the bench ofcourse).
I'm 30 years old and all I've really ever known as an Islander fan is losing - yet I'm still here - I'm still going to games. So, from that point of view I'm glad that this season I might get to see Tamby on the PP to see if he can use his skill to help out ...or that I'll see KO on the PP ...and that I won't have to worry about seeing certain "Nolan guys" in every situation ...
How can you see if the youth can cut it if you don't give them a legit chance? A legit chance doesn't mean under 10 minutes a game ...but we'll have to see who's hired before I get all excited about seeing the youth get PT
In retrospect, this is probably something that should have happened 30 minutes after the last Ranger victory at the Garden.
But it didn't.
And it is purely speculation as to why it didn't.
It could have happened a day or two after that game at the Garden.
But it didn't.
Interesting that it happened on the 1st day of Baseball's All-Star Break with thousands of sports media types converging on the Bronx.
There is something very Steinbrenneresque in the timing of this announcement.
Just a thought, not trying to read into anything too deeply here.
Just a thought, from two time zones away.
Wow... my worst fear realized.
A lot of what is said on both sides of this are true. the bottom line is that in a period whent eh team needs consistency and congruence... they fire the one bright spot over the last two years.
You can not argue with Nolan's success here. I'd take his side on that any day. Look at the years he got out of Blake and Yashin. Look at what happened to Snow when the gates opened last year... and this.
All I see is Milbury II... I hope I'm wrong... but all signs point to it.
Good luck ted.... and thanks.
Snow... you just put all the WEIGHT ALL ON YOU!!!
good luck!!!
A fan (albeit a disappointed one) forever!
PLUS - people want Wang to sell the team??
Anyone who thinks Wang should sell the team is honestly a moron. I mean it - you must be a moron to think that.
He saved the team from being moved. Who do you think will buy this team and keep it on LI? No one will!
He's working on getting the Lighthouse completed which will keep this team here forever. Who else would even bother? No one. He spent a ton of money to bring in a #1 center when we needed one - Yashin - then was willing to eat the money on the contract when it wasn't working out ...I mean jesus ...the guy is dropping a ton of money in the team ...
Seriously, some of you need to think before you type ...again, I beg you - if you're that upset - then leave ...don't come back ...
What are the chances Snow reaches into the College or Junior ranks? I am luke warm on the obvious 3 choices Greg mentioned, and although I like the idea of Bob Hartley, didn't he just get booted out of Atlanta where they were pretty much in a similar "rebuild?"
I may not be the Oracle, but I definitely called this one (does that make me the Orifice?):
1. They needed to come to a mutually-acceptable decision, and if that meant Ted had to go, then he had to go.
2. Regardless, the Islanders would be blamed, and I'm sure my new best friend Mr. Dixon will write all about it on Friday.
I don't even want to take a Nolan vs. Snow side, because I think this is a future direction of the team issue. We all know, given the state of this team, that the Islanders need to rebuild and set the stage to compete in a few years with a core of solid, homegrown talent. Snow has realized this, and he showed good character as a GM by willing to course-correct when his big-money offers were rejected last summer. Nolan was not willing to sign onto it, and he had to go.
So many of us in this blog are in the business world. We have entrepreneurs, consultants, lawyers, CPA's, financial advisers, et al. We all know that if someone on the team is pulling in a different direction, that person needs to go. Hell I'm feeling it myself at the moment because I'm not sure if I fit in with what my employer wants to do, and as a result I'm thinking about moving on.
I'm not happy they let this drag out for so long, but I'm very happy they managed to make this divorce as clean as possible.
My vote for next coach: Bob Hartley
if i was trotts id rather work in one of the parking booths then coach this years team. The isles could lose 60 games this year...Our team is awful. We dont have a single guy who can score 20 goals...But I am okay with it. However when next years draft lottery happens and we lose the #1 pick and Tavares I will know we are cursed....
ted nolan must be so pumped roght now to get out of here...i hope snow just pulls an isaih and coaches this lump of crap himself
Wow! Took all of an hour for Baumbach and Rieber to jump all over this story. Don't worry 505, I've got this one.
Hey AZS - Any realist fan wants to see a Winning team once in a while, not once every 25 years. I am a huge fan watch & every game. They will not hire any retreads - Hartley (didn't do anything with the young players in ATL) Tortarella (Not good with young players - just used his veteran players) Maurice (hasn't done anything meaningful - also not good with young players, that's why toronto didn't want to keep him) - Wang will probably insist on hiring a guy who doesn't speak english b/c he wants to go a different route than everyone else. Good to see Wang's System of everyone having input worked out. Wang better have many $10 games, no one will be showing up. They seem to treat people in their organization real good. Maybe Nolan will get a job and win a cop in a few years like Laviolette.
I remember when Laviolette was hired everyone was yelling about that also because no one knew who he was - I'm sure you were one of those people Brian G. - you seem like a hindsight is 20/20 guy ...I'm sure when Lavvy was hired you were yelling about how the Isles did it again ...and I'm sure over the past nine years you've been yelling for Nolan to coach the Isles right?
Nah, you just a b!tch who never goes to a game but loves to whine ...
There are people on this board who don't even live around here that probably put more $ into seeing this team play than you do ...
AZS....I got to get on you a little for saying Nolan did not give the kids a chance....Tamby stunk in the NHL ... He did not deserve to play.
Snow gave him the likes of Sillinger, Park, Hilbert, MAB , etc....
Nolans job was TO WIN !!! He did that when the team was healthy. When they weren't he played the kids and they stunk up the ice !!
Comeau and Kyle played well and they had a REGULAR SHIFT !!!
It's over now...You Snow guys have got your wish. I think it is the right move b/c of the situation, but the WRONG move in that Nolan left and not Snow....But that is the way it is....Time to move on and PRAY !!!
We got Wang the owner and Snow the new GM to sell this team to free agents and the fans..... That is not going to be easy. If the team falls flat on their face next year, then what ??? Best part about all of this is now it is on Snow. He is the next to get the axe !!!
p.s Snow said last year the team was underperforming. Nolan said he did not have the right type of players....Let's see who was right in 08 !! Snow obviously thinks this is a WINNING CLUB to say that to Ted ...... Well let's see if his guy can take us to the playoffs...IF not Snow was wrong and should be held accountable....None of this "we are re-building with kids" talk...SNOW SAID they underperfomed....We shall see Garth!
I can deal with another bad season if it lands the Isles Tavares or the D-man from Sweden - I believe his name is Hedman ...
In the next calander year I want to see the following and I think the Isles will be on the right path
1) The lighthouse deal be officially approved
2) Okposo, Tamby, Comeau, Bergy and Co. show they belong ...they're all young so I don't need miracles - just show you belong
3) Next season bring up Bailey, Smith, and Figren ...get more young guys in the mix and see what they can do ..
I just want to see progress ...I'm not one of those fans that is expecting a miracle ...I don't want the Isles in the 8th spot this year ...I'm tired of watching them fight to barely get in and then get bounced ...would rather then lose big in the short term to win big for the long term ...
Steady - I hear you about Tamby. But I still think he deserves a full year up in the bigs with time on the PP to see if he can produce - if he can't then so be it but we can't just keep judging these players without really seeing what they can do ...but this year is a "I belong" year for Tamby
AZS posted:
Hartly - Won a cup
Tortorella - Won a cup
Maurice - Lost a cup final
Nolan - coach with a rep as a GM killer who got bounced from Buff - a team that has improved in his absence ...a coach that over plays vets - ignores youth ...blames his 9 year vacation from the NHL on race which always bothered me because he doesn't take accountability for his actions in Buff.
Are you telling me that the islanders were as talented as those teams that won cups. Your talking about the avs who had 3 HOF players on it. Sakic, forsberg, Roy in goal for Gods sake. Tampa had the big 3 plus Anderchuck and Khabbiulin. That is the most ridicuous argument I have ever heard. Nolan can coach and that is the bottom line.
This whole thing smells just like when they fired PL "we are going in a different direction" or "the players lost faith in his system" is what was said back then and PL won a cup with a team that missed the playoffs the season before he got to CAR. This organization is an ABSOLUTE JOKE. CLOWNS,BOBBLEHEADS,CLUELESS AND A TOTAL EXAMPLE OF DYSFUNCTION THAT STARTS AT THE TOP. As you can tell I am disgusted. For the islanders not to realize the talent they had in the coach and his abilitites is APPALLING. ONCE AGAIN THEY HAVE EMBARRASSED THEMSLEVES AND PUT SHAME UPON THE ISLANDER CREST THAT WAS SO PROUDLY WORN AND BUILT BY TRUE SPORTSMAN AND DEDICATED MANAGEMENT AND OWNERSHIP. I AM FLABBERGASTED. I DONT KNOW WHAT ELSE TO SAY.
We all saw this coming but now that it has really happenned reality sets in.
I am 38 yrs old. I became a fan of this team in 1979 when I was 9. I went to my first game in 1981 against the winnipeg jets. I remember john tonelli scored twice and I have seen all the cups, the easter eve game, I was in the Navy stationed overseas and I watched game 7 against pitt for the 93 run That is how big a fan I am. I get to as many games as possible and I never miss a game on tv.I have been through it all. Now I dont know if I can continue. I really have to question whether to waste my time anymore. I think fans can go through alot but I dont think any fans have gone through what we have gone through over the past 15 yrs. Ex rangers for GM, Con man owner, Milstones,4 playoff appearances in 15 yrs, 10 coaches in 15 yrs, Horrible trades and FA acquisitions, Hiring the backup goalie to become a GM, Now fire a coach who proved his worth and let him go. It goes on and on. I dont think I will be rooting anymore. I really cant. It hurts too much to see what has happenned to MY ISLANDERS. OUR ISLANDERS!
In all due respect Mr. Wang, I think its best you sell the team. I thank you for putting up the funds to keep the islanders here on LI and you are commended for that. However, the team under your direction has not improved over the last 8 yrs of your ownerhsip tenure. Your methods undoubtedly worked in the corporate world of software develpment but that has not translated into professional sports. So, in respect for the Islanders fans and the islander community I think it is wise for us to part ways and move forward. All the best to you in the pursuit of the LH project and your other philanthropic programs that always has our support. Thank you.
Jisles
SIr W and I can celebrate. Nolan is a good man but just not the right fit for this group. Hire John Tortorella. He wont let the vets get away with lazy play and he is probably just as good, if not a better motivator than Nolan.
"Your team and organization sucks", they'd say, "but you've got a great coach."
Well said Cincy!
It's true thought, now what do we have? We'd better do something decent this season.
Jisles,
If Nolan is such a great coach then why did it take him seooo long get another job after he was famously let go in Buff?
Answer me that ...why won't anyone answer that?
And don't tell me it has anything to do with his race ...that's BS
nolan got fired cause he may have gotten this pile of garbage to win this year (like he did the past two years), and the wanger and garth want it to tank this season...
they want a shot to get tavares, get the lighthouse approved and start from scratch...
its always darkest just before dawn, and this could be the darkest season ever. Half of our team doesnt belong in the NHL, and we dont have a single player who could play on the first two lines of the top ten teams in hockey. No more 8th place finishes and first round exits --- i agree with AZS, lets bottom out and start over....
Also, so because those guys had good players does that mean they aren't good coaches aswell?
How many teams with good players underachieve?
Is Al Arbour not worthy of being called a good coach because his team had tremendous players?
Is Joe Torre not a good coach because he had good players?
So, Hartly and Tortorella had great players ...but they still won the Cup ...and so what you're saying is that Nolan is a good coach but can only win with HOF players?
So I ask again - what has Nolan done ...what schemes do you like? Why hasn't he been hired by ANYONE in decade after Buffalo?
how many times do you guys get an error when you try to post?? most frustrating site of my life
nolan got fired cause he may have gotten this pile of garbage to win this year (like he did the past two years), and the wanger and garth want it to tank this season...
they want a shot to get tavares, get the lighthouse approved and start from scratch...
its always darkest just before dawn, and this could be the darkest season ever. Half of our team doesnt belong in the NHL, and we dont have a single player who could play on the first two lines of the top ten teams in hockey. No more 8th place finishes and first round exits --- i agree with AZS, lets bottom out and start over....
Well, that sure worked out well, didn't it?
About par for the course in "Islander Country", which, as we all know quite well is really "Loser Country", or perhaps more accurately "Laughingstock of the NHL Country". You could also call it "Mockery Island". Yeah, I think that's really the best one. Mockery Island.
The fact is things never get to this point if you hire a real general manager instead of trying a new experiment every time you get a chance. Mr. Wang is still apparently too stupid to realize this, which is a bit suspect since he was smart enough to avoid a serious prison sentence for his part in the fraudulent management of his corporate finances.
I believe the last coach to be jettisoned in such a manner was Laviolette, yes? Around the same time and in the same manner, yes? All he did was go out and embarrass the team even more by winning a championship the next season. Expect more of the same here, given the storied history of this most excellent hockey club, and the unimpeachable hockey credentials of the ownership.
By the way, what do we do with all of our NOLAN-TYPE PLAYERS now that there is no NOLAN?
Its best to just rip this whole thing down every season and start over anyway. That way you can keep shoveling the "growth!" and "building a winner!" and "watch the kids!" piles all season long, without actually making any tangible progress. Evidently there are enough idiots following this team that will buy into it year after year after year. If you can do that, why bother building a serious team?
What a joke, mockery, laughingstock, mickey-mouse, loser franchise this is. It is terminally diseased and must be allowed to die peacefully and with dignity.
If Trottier is brought into this mess then god help the management because I'll park a truck full of fertilizer outside the coliseum and detonate it before I let them run Bryan through the ringer like all the others.
okposo:
The error message is because the security code generated for your post is only good for 1 post. Say your security code is 123456. If you spend a good long while typing out a well thought out post and someone else posts a quick two liner in that time, they will have used 123456 and now it becomes old for you and you get the error message.
If you are going to hard core post, type it in Notepad and then hit refresh and copy it in. You get a new code and you won't get the error message.
~Healy, tech support (and no thats not my day job)
Well, I guess we saw this coming. I was planning on taking my little fanatic to the Rookie camp this week. So now when she asks where the coach is, I guess I'll have to use the "inmates running the asylum" speech.
Although I was overjoyed to see Nolan hired, I can't say I'm really sad to see him go. The powerplay was atrocious, and the pk wasn't much better.
As marty feldman once said, "Could be worse, could be raining..." and we know what happened next.
healy,
thanks my man, i appreciate it...i was losing my mind...
Frei, I've never been against people voicing their opinions, but the fact that you called me, and others who still do their best to support this team against what can be overwhelming odds IDIOTS is just too much.
I just want to know one thing from you....in the grand scheme of things, which of these decisions would actually be idiotic:
1. Believing there's an actual plan in place, which is something we could have never said with Milbury.
2. Buying into the youth movement for more than a season at a time.
3. Leaving Nolan as coach even after his fate was sealed and causing major distractions.
4. Slamming every move the organization does to the point of paralysis.
5. Making a change pro-actively because it's clear the coach and management do not see eye-to-eye.
Honestly, I'm fully convinced that if it was announced tomorrow the Islanders traded Gervais and Hilbert for Crosby and Malkin you would still have a severe problem with it and make fun of anyone who would actually support such an idiotic move.
This is not the Laviolette firing....Milbury brought in Yashin and Peca, and that created a volatile mix. 2 superstar centers coming in at the same time was bound to polarize the locker room, and nothing short of Al Arbour or Scotty Bowman could've prevented that from exploding. It was obvious the locker room was fractured, and Laviolette paid the price for something that was Milbury's doing. In this case, the team has made a clear decision to build toward being a perennial contender, and Nolan wanted no part of it. If your coach doesn't buy into the plan, he has to go, and it doesn't matter who he is.
If you hate this team so much, Frei, stop following it, stop writing about them, and go find something else to do. If you choose to stay, try to use your head, and don't you dare insult the intelligence of fans who stick by this team for the hope of a better day that some of us (myself and AZS) have never actually seen.
And Snow is rebuilding? SO, he traded down in the draft and ignored a franchise NHL ready D man for a center he could have drafted late in the first round. You really think based upon the way Snow handled this draft that he is any better than Milbury? Sadly, Milbury may have been an Exec of the year in comparison to Snow. Where ezctly is all the young talent that Nolan refused to play? And how would that talent have done anything except assure the Isles of finishing last? Now, the new coach needs to come in knowing that the goal is to get a high draft pick to rebuild with. Sounds like a job for a young caoch on his way up as opposed to a coach with an NHL pedigree. Of course Hartley fits because he doesn't mind losing with young players, he did pleanty of that in Atl, sadly they got tired of rebuilding and losing. Do you really think this franchise is on better shape than it was 5 years ago? or 10 years ago? How long does a rebuilding campaign take?
AZS posted:
Hartly - Won a cup
Tortorella - Won a cup
Maurice - Lost a cup final
Nolan - coach with a rep as a GM killer who got bounced from Buff - a team that has improved in his absence ...a coach that over plays vets - ignores youth ...blames his 9 year vacation from the NHL on race which always bothered me because he doesn't take accountability for his actions in Buff.
Are you telling me that the islanders were as talented as those teams that won cups. Your talking about the avs who had 3 HOF players on it. Sakic, forsberg, Roy in goal for Gods sake. Tampa had the big 3 plus Anderchuck and Khabbiulin. That is the most ridicuous argument I have ever heard. Nolan can coach and that is the bottom line.
This whole thing smells just like when they fired PL "we are going in a different direction" or "the players lost faith in his system" is what was said back then and PL won a cup with a team that missed the playoffs the season before he got to CAR. This organization is an ABSOLUTE JOKE. CLOWNS,BOBBLEHEADS,CLUELESS AND A TOTAL EXAMPLE OF DYSFUNCTION THAT STARTS AT THE TOP. As you can tell I am disgusted. For the islanders not to realize the talent they had in the coach and his abilitites is APPALLING. ONCE AGAIN THEY HAVE EMBARRASSED THEMSLEVES AND PUT SHAME UPON THE ISLANDER CREST THAT WAS SO PROUDLY WORN AND BUILT BY TRUE SPORTSMAN AND DEDICATED MANAGEMENT AND OWNERSHIP. I AM FLABBERGASTED. I DONT KNOW WHAT ELSE TO SAY.
We all saw this coming but now that it has really happenned reality sets in.
I am 38 yrs old. I became a fan of this team in 1979 when I was 9. I went to my first game in 1981 against the winnipeg jets. I remember john tonelli scored twice and I have seen all the cups, the easter eve game, I was in the Navy stationed overseas and I watched game 7 against pitt for the 93 run That is how big a fan I am. I get to as many games as possible and I never miss a game on tv.I have been through it all. Now I dont know if I can continue. I really have to question whether to waste my time anymore. I think fans can go through alot but I dont think any fans have gone through what we have gone through over the past 15 yrs. Ex rangers for GM, Con man owner, Milstones,4 playoff appearances in 15 yrs, 10 coaches in 15 yrs, Horrible trades and FA acquisitions, Hiring the backup goalie to become a GM, Now fire a coach who proved his worth and let him go. It goes on and on. I dont think I will be rooting anymore. I really cant. It hurts too much to see what has happenned to MY ISLANDERS. OUR ISLANDERS!
In all due respect Mr. Wang, I think its best you sell the team. I thank you for putting up the funds to keep the islanders here on LI and you are commended for that. However, the team under your direction has not improved over the last 8 yrs of your ownerhsip tenure. Your methods undoubtedly worked in the corporate world of software develpment but that has not translated into professional sports. So, in respect for the Islanders fans and the islander community I think it is wise for us to part ways and move forward. All the best to you in the pursuit of the LH project and your other philanthropic programs that always has our support. Thank you.
Jisles
Congrats to Ted Nolan for escaping the pathetic and irrelevant NYI's.
The "youth movement' lacks talent, the team has NO grit, and the golden boy goalie is a punk.
Can things get worse?
AZS,
I have no idea why Nolan never got hired. That is not the point. The point is he can coach. And as far as torre goes I vaguely recall people calling him "Clueless Joe" when the yankees hired him. he didnt win jack until he got to the yankees. Bill Torrey knew what he had in Al Arbour. He knew the man who was an excellent coach for a season in St Louis and could come to LI and grow with a young and upcoming team. BTW the bottom line is Al Arbour had 5 HOF on that team. So players do matter. Players always matter. Yes teams with alot of talent have underachieved but my question to you would be this.
Name me one coach who won a championship in any sport who did not have a HOF player on it? Name me one.
What I am saying is that I am not buying the spin anymore. These bobbles can talk all they want about how they have a plan to rebuild and draft but theydont have any integrity nor experience to show they can or have an idea How. They do not carry CREDENTIALS which is why their whole line is suspect. If it was Lou lameriello or another GM, even an assistant GM who has actually done it then I would be all in but these guys WANG AND SNOW ARE CLUELESS I am tired of Wang making this org into a mockery of the NHL and sports general. Enough is Enough.
Jisles
quenville
Don't worry. It's all part of our 25 year rebuilding plan.
Nick, keep believing whatever you want to.
About this team, about the lighthouse, about life in general.
Keep hoping against hope for a better day.
The idealism of youth only lasts for so long. Then, reality sets in. This will happen to you one day, I promise.
Carry your clipboard all the way to the ToH.
You'll notice your tune has changed significantly since your statement of around 6 months or so that a "shovel in the ground" would be happening "within a year". Remember that? Just a few months ago you were SURE that was the way it would go down, remember? Not so sure now, are you? That's reality setting in, lil' buckaroo. Prepare for loads more of it in the future, because its about to hit you like a freight train.
Nick, you sound like a nice guy, and I know sometimes you think things are personal, but the stuff you keep trying to blow up people's asses just isn't true, hasn't happened, isn't going to. You need to get a bit more realistic and get with the program, because this is true:
THERE IS NO LIGHTHOUSE OR CHAMPIONSHIP-CALIBER TEAM BEING BUILT ON LONG ISLAND.
Get that through your idealistic little head, put down the clipboard full of signatures from people who live nowhere near LI, and start seeing things for what they are.
The fact that you WISH things were going as well as you say means nothing to what is actually happening here.
I put more into this franchise in just 5 years of the 80's than you have in your entire life. Don't even think about telling me how to feel or what to say about this team. Don't even THINK about it. Just take your clipboard and walk. When the "Lighthouse" is built and this team hoists a cup, THEN you can come to me and tell me I'm wrong, and how great things are on LI, and how this team finally has a PLAN. But not before. Sorry pal. Reality talks. Clipboards walk.
Just skip right over my comments and post more garbage about how close the lighthouse is. I will keep seeing and writing about things as they are, not as "I want them" or "they should" be.
The facts, son. Facts dictate. Facts. Not "hope for a brighter day". Reality.
Horrific. They finally get this franchise moving in the right direction, have a terrific draft, and then fire the only competent coach they've had since Arbour (with the lone exception of Laviolette).
A coach's job is to coach. A GM's job is to manage the team. Who cares about "philosophical differences"? Each could have done their job without agreeing on every aspect of the rebuilding.
Ridiculous and it really bodes poorly for keeping this team on the Island. One thing is becoming clearer by the day - Wang simply does not trust people (professionals) to do their jobs. That's not good management - it's the opposite of good management.
A devastating loss, because "philosophical disagreement" or not, Nolan was developing our young players at an impressive pace, something we have not seen on the Island in years and years.
A poor hiring now could utterly destroy our attempts to regain a winning edge.
Let's cut to the chase, I don't care who is the coach so long as they start their weeknight home games at 7:30
Lol, Merrick I totally agree!
Here's a link to the Isles site with the official release and Nolan's record ...He's got a career .512 winning percentage ...his career best regular season happened twice 40-30 with buff and also his first season with the Isles ...
Again, I just don't see him leaving as some devistating loss ...
http://islanders.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=368322
Jisles, I've got 5 years on you, and I'm right there with you... I'm a fan, I'll always be a fan because of the CLASS ORGAINIZATON this was when we were kids.
But it's just as if Disneyland was taken over by Muslim Extremists... and I don't want to see them decapitate Tinkerbell becasue she is a fairy!
As for Wang and selling the team, it is clear that his main concern is developing the parking lot into Wang's World... and I really couldn't give a rat's (_*_) about that.
As much as I love them, they are a joke. Wang has his own agenda. Snow has done some good things, but they always blow up in his face. (The same could be said for Milbury)
Here's a list of some of my favorite Isles in the post glory years... see if you can spot the trend...
Palffy
Kasparitis
Scatchard
Aucoin
Jonnson
Blake
That may be why I was so confused when they extended Witt... I'm guessing he's gone by the deadline...
Nolan may not have had THE formula, but I thought that he got the players to compete every night.
I don't agree that this team is that terrible. Yes they can lose 60 games, but that's been said the past two years. If they do lose 60 games, and are out of the hunt by mid december then I think that needs to fall squarely on SNOW.
What peeves me the most is the philosophy of "youth"... WHAT F'N YOUTH??? Tambellini??? The damn youth went to EDMONTON for MAB and Smyth... Did Nolan make those deals?
Okposo may turn out to be something, but was he an option.
Comeau and Nielsen seem to have 2nd or 3rd line upside... THAT'S WHAT MIRACLES ARE MADE OF???
Somebody shoudl find out what YOUTH MOVEMENT GUY signed DUNHAM as the backup goalie... and pushed for him to be the starter even after he showed he was DONE.
Who made the roster a surprise to his head coach every day... well Botta says that was Snow's doing...
Who didn't sign Blake before the trade deadline becasue he hated his guts (purely specualtion on my part)?
Who is a Mike Milbury Clone???
Who is the pinhead owner of the NY ISLANDERS????
the answer to those two questions will be the answer to the following one as well...
WHY ARE THE ISLANDERS A JOKE???
who is laughing...
Ranger fans... as they should have no problem playing meaningful hockey in the spring.
Peter Laviollete... who already has a cup and a competetive team.
Pat Lafontaine... who disassiated himself with this flying circus and remains a class act.
Blake... all the way to the bank
Dubie... all the way to a Russian bank.
Yashin... all the way to carol Alt's bank
Chris Botta... All the way to the publisher's office... man, I can't wait for his book to come out.
...and every contractor and labor union on Long Island who will be the only real benefactors of Wang's World.
I'm fully willing to let you do whatever you want and think whatever you want. I had a problem with you saying that people who still support the team in spite of the BS thrown our way are idiots. I will apologize for the time I was a little tipsy and flamed you back in April, that was not something I should've done. I'll also admit that your negativity frustrates the living hell out of me because I can't understand it. I don't know if it's my nature or the fact that rooting for the Yankees and Giants has at least allowed me to see championships, but I don't believe in killing this team for everything they do. I won't bore anyone with a life story, but like everyone else I've seen plenty of things that could have led to my losing faith and optimism, but I choose not to. I actually try not to take things personally, but using personal language does bother me because it seemed through your post you were calling fans like me idiots.
If you've been a fan so long, then you know it's not exactly easy to just stop following a team. I have to hope the team will win a Cup because I have no memories of it, and Trevor Linden, Brett Lindros, and Mike Rupp really aren't enough to keep me satiated in my memories as a fan. Therefore, I choose to move forward, and I choose not to hold Charles Wang responsible for the sins of John Pickett, John Spano, Steven Gluckstern, and Howard Milstein. In the same vein, I will not hold Snow responsible for the sins of Maloney and Milbury. The fact that the team seemed to be in constant rebuilding mode is not 100% the fault of the current regime, and being willing to give them the chance they deserve is not idealism, I would actually call that unbiased realism.
As for the Lighthouse, I don't think much has changed. I've always said the obvious things, such as the Town had to complete the environmental review and approve the re-zoning before they could finalize the lease with the County and build, build, build. The Lighthouse has been saying shovels in the ground (in the form of Coliseum renovations, which are already approved by all bodies and could