The recently married Katie Strang of ESPN answered some hockey questions today...

If Islanders don't have a strong start in October, is Capuano out?

Katie Strang You have to imagine that Capuano is going to have a short leash, and for good reason. Now that GM Garth Snow addressed their biggest problem from last season -- lack of goaltending -- there is little excuse for them to not put things together. They have talent. Another disastrous start would likely cost Capuano his job

As a Sharks fan, can I just ask . . . "huh?"

Katie Strang Have to admit I am similarly confounded by the Sharks. Really seemed like they were ready to revamp and change the direction of the team. Sounds like they want this club to be in younger hands, but Joe Thornton's no-move clause makes for an awkward situation. I was never sold on them tearing the thing apart, though, so maybe this is not the worst thing in the world for Sharks fans.

With a healthy core of veterans (Datsyuk, Zetterberg, Franzen, Kronwall, Howard, etc) and continued growth of the youngsters, can the Red Wings challenge for at least the conference finals this year?

Katie Strang Not sure if I see a trip to conference finals for the Wings, Zhao. I think they do have a really good mix of veterans and talented youngsters, but considering the durability of some of their star players -- Datsyuk, Zetterberg -- that will be a factor in their success this season. Although there is no chance they could have the same foul injury luck as last year!

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