It always helps when a friend hires you to a good job.  And Mike Dunham can thank his friend for that.

Garth Snow yesterday, hired the recently retired Mike Dunham as his goaltender coach for the 07-08 season, replacing Francois Allaire (spelling???).  Dunham, the backup for Rick DiPietro last season, performed admirably for the first 50+ games of the season, but unfortunately, the end of the season spelled disaster.  A lot of early goals and quick hooks from Ted Nolan, and he rode the ‘pine’ for the rest of the season, as “Doobie” became the Islander hero.

At first, I was upset that a “Friend of the Boss” got the backup job over Wade to start the season.  Dubie really had nothing to prove at the AHL level.  But Dunham’s play was excellent at the beginning of the season, especially when the dads were on their road trip with the team, and Dunny had a great game against Florida.  He won me over for a while.

I never dislike Dunny at all.  In fact, he is a consummate professional with a great attitude and work ethic, and that spread throughout the team.  He and Ricky seemed to have a great relationship, kind of that big brother/little brother deal.

I think it is a good move for the team, and Wade and Rick will work well under Mike’s tutelage.