Game On!

Who he? That's the oft-heard response of Islanders fans with the disclosure last night that Scott Gordon is taking over as head coach of the Isles for the 2008-09 season.

John Tortorella, Marc Crawford and Bob Hartley each won a Stanley Cup — and were available — but none of the trio was rated suitable enough by Islanders standards to take over the bench job vacated by Ted Nolan.

What moved general manager Garth Snow to leapfrog over the experienced trio and hire a leader with absolutely no National Hockey League coaching experience?

"It was a long, tough process because there were so many quality candidates, but Gordon stood out," Snow explained in a conference call last night.  "He's technically sound and he can work with our young as well as our veteran players."

Is it a risk for Snow to hire an inexperienced — by NHL standards — head coach?

"Neither Hartley, Crawford nor Tortorella had NHL experience before they were hired," replied Snow. "For me, the decision was that Scott fits into our plans. The fact that he was once a fellow goalie — like me — played no part in my hiring him."

Which is not to suggest that Snow erred selecting the reigning American Hockey League Coach of the Year (Providence); not when you consider that Stanley Cup winners such as Mike Babcock and Stanley Cup finalist mentors like Michel Therrien got their pre-NHL baptism in the minors.

"Garth has given me an unbelievable opportunity to coach in the NHL with the Islanders," said Gordon in a prepared statement. "From my time coaching in Providence, I've seen firsthand the talented young players in this organization. I look at the direction and the vision for this team and see a bright future."

"He's a great communicator and will provide accountability in the locker room," said Snow. "He's a quality person. I know about his character and his ability to work with young players; which fits into our plans here."

A New Englander (Brockton, MA) like his new boss, Gordon played goal for Boston College (1982-86) and turned pro in 1986 with the Quebec Nordiques. But he didn't make his big-league debut until 1989-90 with Quebec and played 23 career games in the majors.

"Accountability and communication are ingredients that we feel Scott brings to the club," Snow added. "I did due diligence and didn't want to be close-minded. As soon as he walked into my office, I found it easy for me to communicate with him."

Patience is another virtue Gordon will bring to the bench, according to Snow: "Scott proved at Providence that he's a great teacher and that required patience."

Among Gordon's claims to hockey fame is the fact that he was the first ECHL graduate to play in the NHL. He retired as a player after the 1993-94 campaign.

Gordon began catching the hockey world's attention after taking over as head coach in Providence late in the 2002-03 season. Over the next five seasons, his club totaled a record of 221-141-20-27. During the 2007-08 season, Providence topped the AHL by winning 58, losing 18 and tying three.

Is it a good move? In many ways, yes. The relatively inexperienced Snow needs a younger mentor — Gordon is 45 — with whom he can work without headaches. The new man will not be rushed and patience will be his primary virtue — until the pieces fall into place.

Ted Nolan gave him migraines. Perhaps Tortorella, Crawford and Hartley were too egocentric for Garth. What matters is that the g.m. feels comfortable with his choice and the vice is versa.

Does this mean that the Isles will soar to division heights? Hardly. Gordon inherits a mixed roster featuring veterans such as captain Bill Guerin, Doug Weight, Mike Sillinger and Mike Comrie as well as a spate of youngsters. As a former goalie, Scott knows that Rick DiPietro is his ace-in-the-hole. If he can win DiPietro's confidence — and DP somehow can remain healthy — Gordon will be in position to cast his magic and, perhaps, produce some surprises.

But, make no mistake, Gordon is here for the long haul. He's expected to nurture the young talent to maturity, while coaxing close-to-career years out of veterans that some critics regard as over-the-hill.

Granted, he has none of the credentials owned by Tortorella, Hartley or Crawford. But the latter trio paid their dues in the minors before developing Cup champs.

Perhaps Gordon will prove to be a latter-day version. 

MORE:

• Who'll Be the Next Islanders' Coach?
• Exit Ted Nolan; Enter Whom?
• Giving Weight to the Isles' Hopes