Isles-Pens Intrigue: New Coach, Teddy at the Coliseum

No, not that Teddy. We'll get to that story in a second. But first...

Monday's afternoon tilt between the Islanders and Penguins will likely see a spike in media attention. The plummeting Pens have fired head coach Michel Therrien. His replacement, at least for the time being, actually has some experience coaching at Nassau Coliseum. Dan Bylsma, who had been manning the bench for Pittsburgh's AHL affiliate, was an assistant for the Isles during the 2005-06 season. You can count on national media from both Canada and the U.S. descending on Uniondale to get Sidney Crosby's take on the move.

If that isn't sideshow enough, the Islanders are honoring Presidents Day by bringing in the competitors from the Washington Nationals' Presidents Race to compete on the Coliseum ice. The big question, of course, is whether the change in venue and surface will benefit Teddy Roosevelt, who, to this point, is winless in his career. President Roosevelt will be joined by Presidents Washington, Jefferson, and Lincoln for a race around the rink during the second intermission. Will Teddy win?

Pay a visit to Let Teddy Win! for more on the history of this event.