Capuano Caput

Yesterday (January 17th, 2016) the NY Islanders fired long serving coach Jack Capuano. The firing of Capuano might not come as a surprise to many, as the Islander are at the bottom of the Eastern Conference. However, the timing might. The Islanders had won 5 of their last 10 games, and just came off of an impressive 4-0 win over the Boston Bruins. So why fire Capuano now? Why not let him finish the year with the team? Especially since he was starting to do well.

If anyone should get the axe, it is GM Garth Snow. He let Frans Neilsen and Kyle Okposo walk during the off season. The Islanders didn't bring any real help for Tavares. This is a team that looked poised to do special things. In 2015-16 Capuano coached the team to the second round of the playoffs. Something the team had not done in 22 years! During his 7 years with the Islanders, Capuano had 227 victories. That second on the all-time Islander wins list. Also, they let go a coach that had a great relationship with Captain John Tavares. John Tavares, the guy who is a UFA after the 2017-18 season. The Islanders are not giving Tavares any reason to stay with this team.

Alright, some might mark this down as an "off" season for the Islanders. That they could rebound next year. Well, I think that would take a miracle for a rebound to occur. Just have a look at their top prospects. Anthony Beauvillier (Age 19) is really the one decent prospect. He started off the season hot, but has been a regular scratch recently. Still young, so he can develop. Shane Price is not bad as well, but he is not going to be a top 6 forward. On defense, Ryan Pulock is not developing as quick as the team thought he would. Then the worst aspect, is goaltending. I mean, there is NOBODY in goal within their organization that is going to be a difference maker. So if they are going to get an elite goalie, they are going to have to make a big trade. That is something I personally believe will NEVER happen. GM Garth Snow doesn't have the capabilities to make a trade like that. (Which is why he should be fired)

The Islanders franchise altogether, is in shambles. They have an owner and GM that have no clue on how to run a hockey team. They now leave the team in the hands of interim coach Doug Weight. All I can say is ... "Good Luck Doug, you are going to need it!".