Islanders Fire Coach Goring
U N I O N D A L E, N.Y., March 5 -- Butch Goring's fate as New York Islanderscoach was sealed with a drubbing by the NHL's worst team.
The Islanders took over that distinction Saturday night whenTampa Bay beat them 6-0 at home. Goring then became the seventh NHLcoach to lose his job this season.
"For those of you who were here, you witnessed a team that lostits way," said general manager Mike Milbury, whose job for nextseason was guaranteed last month by team owners. "I've always feltthat the measure of a team is whether they are disciplined andmotivated.
"That was probably the worst performance we've had to date."
Henning Steps In
Goring was replaced on an interim basis by assistant and formerteammate Lorne Henning, who coached the Islanders during thelockout season of 1994-95.
"Butch is a good friend, good person and a good coach,"Henning said. "He's an Islander. It's a sad time for everyone, butyou have to move forward. I've been in the business 30 years. Ihave Islander blood. We have to right the ship and get thingsgoing."
Goring was dismissed with 17 games remaining in another lostseason. He appeared to be on shaky ground after owner Charles Wangendorsed Milbury for next season and not Goring.
At that time, Milbury also didn't promise Goring's return to theIslanders (17-40-5-3), who have not reached the postseason since1994.
Players Faulted for Skid, Too
Milbury didn't let the players off the hook, either.
"We feel at this point that we can't play out the string," hesaid. "I spoke with the players, and this is not the easy way outfor them. I told them that we win as an organization and lose as anorganization.
"I have failed the coach and so have they."
Milbury said it would have been easier to fire himself ratherthan Goring. But he dismissed the coach in a morning meeting atNassau Coliseum and then addressed the team.
"The guy certainly cares as much as anybody about the Islandersorganization," Milbury said. "The guy deserved a better fate anda better effort from his players."
