Citing Philosophical Differences, Islanders and Nolan Part Ways

By DAVE CALDWELL

The Islanders pulled Ted Nolan out of N.H.L. exile two years ago, and he nudged an overachieving team into the playoffs in his first season. But Nolan is now looking for work again, after he and his boss could not agree on a game plan for the team’s future.

Islanders General Manager Garth Snow fired Nolan on Monday, although the Islanders softened the news by saying he would not return as coach. Both cited philosophical differences that had apparently lasted for more than a year.

Nolan, 50, whose Islanders teams compiled a 75-68-21 record and made the 2007 playoffs with a memorable late-season surge, had one year left on a three-year contract worth about $600,000 a year.

“I’ve enjoyed the last two years, and I wish I could continue with them, but unfortunately, that’s not going to be the case,” Nolan said in a telephone interview. “I want to coach, I believe I can coach at this level, and I’d like to have another opportunity to coach at this level.”

Citing Philosophical Differences, Islanders and Nolan Part Ways....