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'Philosophical Differences' Force Isles' Nolan Out

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The Associated Press

The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 15, 2008

UNIONDALE, N.Y. - Ted Nolan's return to NHL coaching ended after only two years Monday when he split with the New York Islanders over "philosophical differences" with General Manager Garth Snow.

Although there had been a growing rift throughout last season between Nolan and Snow, the somewhat surprising midsummer move was made after a morning meeting at Nassau Coliseum before the opening of a rookie training camp.

"The process for me was something that took a lot of time to come to terms with," Snow told The Associated Press. "We all know we probably weren't all on the same page in certain areas.

"It wasn't going to work if two people aren't on the same page. That's why the meeting was healthy because we both realized that there were differences in philosophy."

After getting the Islanders into the playoffs in 2007, Nolan guided the club to a 35-38-9 finish last season. He finished his New York tenure with a 74-68-21 mark.

STARS: Dallas rewarded coach Dave Tippett for a trip to the Western Conference finals by adding two years to his deal, keeping him under contract through the 2010-11 season.

It's his second extension in a short time: He was signed for 2008-09 in December.

"Dave has proven to be a great leader on the Stars bench and we are pleased to have him under contract for the next three seasons," co-general manager Brett Hull said Monday.

THRASHERS: Free agent forward Jason Williams, who scored 13 goals for Chicago despite missing nearly half the season with an injury, signed with Atlanta.

The 27-year-old right wing also had 23 assists in 43 games for the Blackhawks last season. He missed 39 games after injuring his groin, then having surgery for a sports hernia.

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