Capuano Doing A Great Job On Long Island

CAPUANO DOING WONDERS FOR ISLANDERS

Back in December, who would have thought the NY Islanders would be ending this season on a positive note? Definitely not me, but in a great turn of events the Islanders are proving the world wrong. Although people (including myself) are still hoping and praying that the Isles can do the impossible and sneak into the playoffs, realistically the postseason is unlikely at least for this season. But, the incredible shift in the culture surrounding the Isles has given fans, players, and management reason's to be excited, but not just about the future but the "now" as well. Night in and night out, the Islanders have been approaching games with the confidence and the determination needed to be competitive. This change is real and can be attributed to a few different moments and tweaks. The main reason, in my opinion, for the drastic change in player production and team chemistry was the coaching change that brought in Jack Capuano. On November 15, when the decision was made, the NY Islanders had become the laughing stock of the NHL or some would say just gave more reason as to why they have been a laughing stock. The Isles 2010-11 record under Scott Gordon was not pretty with only four wins, ten losses, and three OT losses. At this point Isles fans were already wishing it was time for the draft and with "a minor league" coach taking over, this feeling amongst the fan's was expected to remain. But in Capuano's 53 games behind the bench, that same Islanders team has 23 wins, 22 losses, and 8 OT losses and has played with more heart than all 181 games under Scott Gordon. Now, I am not blaming the struggles of the past few years solely on Gordon but it must be noted how much different this team has played with "Cappy" leading the charge. Not only has the Isles record greatly improved but almost every player's production has dramatically increased. Most notably being rookie star, Michael Grabner who has really blossomed under Capuano. The decision to bring him in as the "interim" coach was  smart and it has been a home-run for the Islanders. In the near future, everyone should expect to see Capuano have the interim tag lifted and made the official long-term coach of the Islanders.