SHOOTOUT: Islanders 4 – Penguins 3
Charles Wang’s quest to hire a new general manager intensified this week, evidenced by a growing list of candidates being considered to fill the job Mike Milbury held for a decade.
According to multiple sources, Wang interviewed Hall of Famer Phil Esposito this week for the position. It is believed Esposito, who was the Ranger GM from 1986-89 and the Tampa Bay GM from 1992-1999, is one of many recommendations Wang is fielding from the league as he attempts to hire a new GM by the June 24 draft in Vancouver.
Ideally, Wang would want to hire someone well before the draft, which comes just a week before the opening of the summer free-agency period and a time you’d think the current Islander roster would be gutted.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, who is helping to advise Wang through the search, was in attendance for last night’s 4-3 shootout win against the Penguins at the Coliseum.
“We talked about a thorough process and seeing as many people as possible,” Bettman told The Post during the second intermission, “so that Charles can be comfortable that he selected somebody who will accomplish his goals and objectives.”
In bringing in Esposito, who met with Wang on Tuesday at the Islanders’ Plainview headquarters, it shows that no stone will be left unturned, no card left unplayed as he searches for the right man for the job.
Esposito played the final six of his 19 NHL seasons with the Rangers and also coached the Blueshirts briefly. He joins a growing list of aspirants for the job with former Magic GM and Long Island native John Weisbrod; Vancouver assistant GM and former Islander Steve Tambellini; Ottawa assistant GM Peter Chiarelli; and former San Jose GM Dean Lombardi.
In addition, former Islander captain Brent Sutter remains at the top of the team’s wish list, though he has said he won’t entertain any offers until the conclusion of his junior season running the Red Deer Rebels, where he is the owner, GM and coach. It’s widely believed that Sutter, if he takes any NHL job, will join his brother Darryl, currently the coach and GM of the Flames.
Wade Dubielewicz got the start in net last night and gave up three goals on 16 shots with Rick DiPietro, who was pulled Tuesday after giving up four goals on 17 shots, on the bench. Miro Satan beat Sebastien Caron in the first round of the shootout for the Isles’ fourth win in 16 games.
Alexei Yashin, Satan and Kvasha scored in regulation against Pittsburgh goals from former Islander Eric Cairns (first in 75 games), Mark Recchi and John LeClair’s game-tying, shorthanded goal with 26 seconds left in the third period.