New York Islanders Four Alternate Better Realities

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Dec 1, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; New York Islanders head coach Jack Capuano looks on from behind the bench against the Washington Capitals in the second period at Verizon Center. The Islanders won 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Turfing Jack Capuano Earlier

How different is this team’s fortune at the end of the season if they let Jack go earlier rather than later? Like the middle of November early?

Remember that time of year? The Isles had three terrible games against the Tampa Bay Lightning within two weeks (they were outscored 14-2). And had just lost four games in a row. Placing the Isles dead last in the league.

If ownership wanted progress from the season before, the one where the Isles won their first playoff round in 23 years, this wasn’t the way.

They’d give whatever coach the Isles decided they wanted a full 65 games to turn the ship around. Doug Weight managed to the get the Islanders into the playoff picture with much less.

When the Isles finally got around to moving on from Jack Capuano half the season had now gone by. Half of the season in the tank. They were on the way back to Brooklyn from Florida with two days in between. Better timing for any new coach

The timing was better for any new coach in November than in January.

Next: Isles First Round Pick Should Be Trade Bait

All of these decisions come back to one man; Garth Snow. He’s responsible for roster construction and deciding the fate of the head coach. He eventually came around on two of them, but it could have been too little too late. The Isles could make the playoffs still, but it’s a big “if”. If they don’t it definitely on a single man’s shoulders.