Milbury Steps Aside as Islander Coach

Mike Milbury resigned as coach of the New York Islanders, fulfilling the wishes of prospective team owner John Spano. Milbury, who was replaced by assistant Rick Bowness, will remain as general manager.

“With the upcoming draft being so important to the plan we have put in place to improve this team, I believed this is the right time, and that Rick is the right guy,” Milbury said in a statement.

Milbury was hired as coach in July 1995 and became general manager five months later.

*

Colorado Avalanche goalie Patrick Roy is expected to be sidelined four to seven days because of a sprained right thumb he suffered in Thursday’s game against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Craig Billington will now get the call, and in Roy’s absence, the Avalanche have recalled goalie Jean-Francois Labbe from the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League. . . . Mario Lemieux, who suffered a bruised back Tuesday against Calgary, returned to practice and expects to face the New York Rangers today.