Snow Narrows Possible Coach List to 3

Snow has cut down the list of possible coaches, and we are now left with Bob Hartley, Paul Maurice, and Scott Gordon.

BOB HARTLEY

Early on in Garth Snow's hockey career, Bob Hartley coached him in the AHL. Their long friendship could help make him the top candidate. Hartley also led the Colorado Avalanche to the Stanley Cup in the 2000-2001 season. A few years later, he moved on to coach the Atlanta Thrashers, and help them make the playoffs for the fist time ever in the 2006-2007 season. But Hartley and the Thrashers decided to part ways after a terrible start this past season.

PAUL MAURICE

Paul Maurice spent 9 seasons coaching the Hartford Whalers and the Carolina Hurricanes, leading them to the Stanley Cup Final in 2002. Later, he would coach the Toronto Maple Leafs for 3 years, but only sent them to the playoffs in 2003-2004. If we want NHL experience, Maurice is our guy.

SCOTT GORDON

Scott Gordon would not be your guy, if you want NHL experience. Last year's AHL Coach of the Year, Scott Gordon, has never coached one NHL game. He has spent the past 8 years with the Providence Bruins of the AHL, serving as assistant coach for 3 years, and head coach for 5 years. If we are focused on rebuilding, and want to let the younger guys get the playing time while getting coached well, Gordon is our guy. Spending 8 years in the AHL means he has worked with younger guys throughout his entire coaching career. After all, the Isles aren't much more than a great AHL team.

Who will be the next coach of the New York Islanders? We will find out this week.