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New York Islanders Coaching Options Are Plentyful

Apr 6, 2017; Raleigh, NC, USA; New York Islanders head coach Doug Weight looks on from behind the players bench against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena. The New York Islanders defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 3-0. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 6, 2017; Raleigh, NC, USA; New York Islanders head coach Doug Weight looks on from behind the players bench against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena. The New York Islanders defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 3-0. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 28, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Stars head coach Lindy Ruff watches his team take on the Pittsburgh Penguins during the second period at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Lindy Ruff

Pedigree: 19 Years NHL Experience, 1 Jack Adams (05-06)

Like Ken Hitchcock, Lindy Ruff is an NHL caliber coach. With a .561 points percentage over his career means that his teams generally finish either in or just outside the playoff picture with an average 92 points.

He’s been to the playoffs in 12 of his 19 years behind an NHL bench, with a 66-54 post-season record. He’s never won a cup, but he’s come close. Real close.

Remember the ridiculous skate-in-the-crease era? The Cup winning goal that year should have been overturned, but somehow stood, awarding the cup to Dallas and not Ruff’s Sabres.

Maybe if Dallas would have equipped him with league average goaltending Ruff wouldn’t even be available. His Dallas team finished last season top of the central division after all.

But because Jim Nill didn’t fix the Stars’ goaltending problem they promptly dropped in the standings this season as both Niemi and Lehtonen combined for the worst save percentage in the league.

Unlike the Stars, the islanders have the tandem of Thomas Greiss and Jaroslav Halak between the pipes. A tandem that is if nothing else, above average goaltending.

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