Nolan Out on Long Island

Newsday reports that the New York Islanders and head coach Ted Nolan have parted ways. The decision was described as "mutual" on the part of Nolan and Islanders general manager Garth Snow.

Apparently, the decision is the result of the dreaded "philosophical differences." Snow was of a mind to develop youth; Nolan disagreed with this approach, according to the Newsday report.

Nolan leaves the Islanders with a curious symmetry in his coaching career:


We don't suspect Nolan is going to have to wait ten years for his next NHL coaching position, but given the nature of the rift between Nolan and Snow, the kind of team Nolan might inherit could be a consideration that narrows his options. He guided a largely veteran, overachieving group to a 40-win season in 2006-2007. Last year though, as the club was trying to work younger players into the lineup (such as: Bruno Gervais, Blake Comeau, and Jeff Tambellini), success was harder to come by, as might be expected from a team trying to retool.