Report: Islanders talking with Tortorella

The piercing eyes. The steely glare. The look of a man who is one step from getting atop a bell tower to start shooting could be headed to the Nassau Coliseum.

Newsday reported Friday that the New York Islanders are talking with John Tortorella about their head coaching vacancy.

With a change in ownership in Tampa, Tortorella was recently replaced after seven seasons by former ESPN talking head Barry Melrose.

According to Newsday, Lightning captain Vincent Lecavalier said the young kids on the team weren't responding to Tortorella's methods. With top overall draft pick Steve Stamkos joining the team, the Lightning thought it best to make a switch at this point.

That, and the fact they finished last in the Eastern Conference.

To say Tortorella is intense is not a stretch. Granted, he brought a Stanley Cup to Florida’s Gulf Coast in 2004, but demands perfection at all times.

Cue STATS’ Chris Altruda after another bad Lightning loss: “I’m tired of the whining,” with a deep drag on a Lucky.

So just wait until Rick DiPietro gives up that bad goal with overtime winding down, long-term, high-dollar contract be damned.

Newsday also reported the Islanders are considering former Toronto Maple Leafs coach Paul Maurice and Bob Hartley, formerly of the Atlanta Thrashers to replace Ted Nolan.