Tortorella to meet with Islanders

Jul 26, 2008 - 12:27 AM MELVILLE, New York (Ticker) -- John Tortorella may not be unemployed much longer.

According to a report by New York Newsday on Friday, Tortorella is scheduled to meet with the New York Islanders on Sunday to discuss the team's vacant coaching job.

Fired by the Tampa Bay Lightning on June 3, Tortorella will meet with Islanders general manager Garth Snow in hopes of replacing Ted Nolan, who was let go on July 15. Nolan posted a 75-68-21 record in two seasons with the Isles, who cited philosophical differences as the reason for the split.

Last campaign, New York went 35-38-9 for 79 points, finishing fifth in the Atlantic Division and missing the playoffs.

Tortorella, who had one year remaining on his contract with Tampa Bay before being dismissed, coached the Lightning for parts of the last seven seasons and guided the club to the Stanley Cup championship in 2004. Jay Feaster, the Lightning's general manager at the time, cited Tortorella's lame-duck contractual status as one of the primary reasons he was let go.

Tortorella, who turned 50 on June 24, guided the Lightning to two Southeast Division titles and four consecutive postseason appearances from 2002-07.

But Tampa Bay struggled through an injury-marred 2007-08 campaign, going 31-42-9 en route to a last-place division finish. The Lightning recorded 71 points, tied with the Los Angeles Kings for the lowest total in the NHL.

A Boston native, Tortorella posted a 239-222-38 record with 36 ties during his tenure with the Lightning.