We like to think of ourselves at the Lighthouse Hockey Institute for Higher Islanders Learning and Beauty Academy as a full service station for all things New York Islanders and tangental Islanders-related product (at least, when time and attention allow us to be).
So please allow us a moment to tie up the saga of Jack Capuano, coach, philosopher, best-selling beach read author, hairstyle icon and Italian guy, who was fired by the Islanders in January and replaced by Doug Weight. After a few rumors and possibilities swirling around, ol’ Cappy has finally landed on his feet with the Florida Panthers.
He’ll join the staff of new coach Bob Boughner and bring some NHL experience to the first year boss, a sentence that’s hilarious given that Capuano was brushed off as an “AHL coach” at here and other places for his entire almost seven-year tenure with the Islanders.
"I am thrilled to welcome Jack to our coaching staff," said Boughner "He is a knowledgeable and experienced voice to have behind our bench that will work well with our young players."
Capuano will get a chance to bring that sweet, sweet BATTLE LEVEL to a Panthers club that’s good but looking to make some changes after a non-playoff season. No one’s quite sure why they took the approach they did to the expansion draft - losing Jonathan Marchessault and Reilly Smith to Vegas in the process - but they still have plenty of talent. Sounds like Jack will be in charge of the defense and penalty killing there.
One thing we do know Capuano will love about South Florida is its well-stocked fishing waters. They’re are packed to the gills (!) with tons of catch such as Yellowfin Tuna, Wahoo and Swordfish, which are delicious grilled with just salt and olive oil, as the fervent angler already knows I’m sure.
In all seriousness, best of luck to Jack with the Panthers and whatever stops he makes in his career. His ride with the Islanders was a wild one we won’t soon forget.