Coach Scott Gomez is a sum of his hockey parts

Scott Gomez summarized the work description that comes with his new role as a New York Islanders assistant coach in one sentence. "I got one job," Gomez, 37, stated, "and that’s to make (head coach) Doug Weight and the Islanders as great as they can be."

Gomez is in prime position to succeed, starting with the standards that he’s set for himself, and ending with over three decades of hockey experience.

"My standard has always been Bill Belichick, Gregg Popovich, Tony La Russa, Chuck Noll, Bill Parcells," he said. "I’ve always been a huge coach fan, and I read about all those guys. Also, one thing I can provide — and I said this in the interview with Dougie — is I saw every aspect of this game."