Lou will Never Ever tank as long as hes in control. So if that's part of your plan, you could forget it.
No. Tanking should never be part of a plan but the team may be a realistically a lottery team this year even they tried hard the team just does not quite have enough (especially in the bottom 2 line, bottom 3 D & goalies that have trouble with being consistently good) given the division is super competitive except for Rags, now with both NJ and Canes all much improved. Pens and Caps may not be sharp now but they still have enough to finish ahead of Isles and the Flyers have consistently win the divisional series against the Isles and at time can go on a long winning streak. The truth is if you can't win most of your divisional games you will most likely miss playoff. Until Isles can do that, they will have trouble making the playoff which will make them a seller at deadline especially with the past 2 years history, they should seriously consider that with their UFA when trade deadline come close. There will be only one Wild Card spot they may be able to aim for but even that may be tough when you got TML, Bruins, Tampa, Caps, Pens, NJ, Columbus, Canes all likely will make playoff this year. If one of them slips, you will be fighting with Flyers for that final spot. It is not just about Isles, it about how tough the competitions are. If you can't beat these teams that will also translate in the standings. Then there are the tough 3 central teams (Jets, Dallas, Hawks), plus West coast teams which are never easy wins because of the travel and time difference and they can play well at home.
Realistically I think Isles finish somewhere from bottom 4 to bottom 8 but with the lottery system you can still have a very good shot at a top player. No I do not wish them tank nor do poorly but my expectation is not high for this year even with the coaching change. I would think differently next year though.