The case for Tortorella to stay

Total speculation here but I am just not convinced, as are so many readers, that John Tortorella is finished as the Lightning's coach. In fact, a dispassionate view seems to indicate he and the coaching staff will be back, at least to start next season.

Before everybody gets all nuts, hear me out.

Let's start with the scenario that either Palace Sports & Entertainment or Oren Koules owns the team at the start of next season. If anyone else gets involved, say, if Koules' bid falls through (and we know how tough it must be to get financing in the current worldwide credit crunch), then all bets are off.

So, consider that if budget-challenged Palace Sports still owns the team, there is little incentive for it to pay Tortorella $1.3-million not to coach next season's squad while paying another coach to take his place. Sure there are offsets in Tortorella's contract, meaning if he gets another job, Palace Sports would be on the hook for much less than the $1.3-million. But does the group that claims it has lost about $80-million on its Tampa operation want to take that chance, especially if it is going to do anything to try to improve the team over the summer? I could be wrong, but even though Tortorella and CEO Tom Wilson don't get along, I think not. More likely is that Palace Sports does not extend the contracts of Tortorella or his coaches, all of which have a year left, and let's them twist during the season as lame ducks until they are either forced to extend them or fire them.

General manager Jay Feaster, who has three years left on his contract, by the way, refused in Thursday's story to say anything about contracts except, "Any discussion of extensions or new contracts, until there is resolution of the pending sale, is premature.''

As for Koules, an NHL novice, Tortorella is the winningest U.S.-born coach, with 235 victories, and a Stanley Cup winner who has been with the the team since 2000 and knows it like the back of his hand. And would Koules and his partners (Len Barrie, mostly) have allowed Tortorella to win the fight to sign Dan Boyle if he was not going to be brought back if Koules gained control of the team?

As for Torts quitting? Would you leave $1.3-million in the table? Besides, I'm sure he wants to see Prague (kidding).

So get used to the idea of Tortorella coming back. Things may change, of course. Koules may not get it done. Tortorella might say something even Wilson can't abide. But given the current lay of the land, I'd say bet even money Tortorella and his staff returns to start the 2008-09 season.

[Douglas R. Clifford, Times]

 

Comments

[Mike13]

For those who hadn't seen it, Lundin is a spotlight player on NHL.com. Here's the link to the article...

http://www.nhl.com/nhl/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=356892

[//]

you have no selfawareness let alone consideration for the rest of us leo. not only do you two guys have private conversations but you repeat the same s*it over and over ad nausea. get original get shorter or take it to email punk.

[Herb]

The Bolts won 2 in a row. I guess they will lay an egg tomorrow night against the Rags. I have only seen them win twice in the last 8 games that I was in attendance.

[Casper]

Man, I couldn't stand watching the El Stinko's beat the Rags tonight.

Denis Potvin conducts a genteel clinic on the defensive aspect during the game.
All stuff we know already, but is a lost art in the Bay.
He gets down there and laces them up with the kids during practice, giving Panthers management more bang for their buck, I'm sure. They get a lot of milage out of just a few NHL caliber defenders. Amazing.

Just to hear him say, "When a guy gets that close to your goal keeper, somebody has to take him out.", sends goose bumps. No person in the entire Lightning system all the way down to Mississippi, talks like that!

How I'd love for him to put his huge meathooks on Tortorella's shoulder and say, "Now this is what we are going to do in our defensive zone, like it or lump it."

Yeah sure, dream on...

Go Bolts!

[Herb]

Man, you know it's a crappy season when the 'Turds have a shot at the playoffs. They are tied with the Caps now, that completely sucks.

[leo]

So don't read our posts, fellas.
Or write your own thrillers. I'll read'em, nevermind your spite.
Ajax just gave me a direct volley and it was a good one, too. Excellent point.
You're right, mate. We have been suckin' lemons for the last 15 yrs. But it's been even longer for Ottawa.
What do we tell the 12 yr olds?
"Be patient, wee lads. You'll also get a taste of Glory, just like your father, your grand-father and your great-grand-father before you. We are the Anointed Ones; it is our Destiny to be Victorious. You will be witnesses as well, wee lads." Or something along those lines...
Despite the sarcasm, you SHOULD come up to MTL and witness it for yourself, ajax. How did that SportsIllustrated article on NHL fans grab you last week? Read it? You're more than welcome up here (if you don't mind lotsa snow,of course) and it would be an honor to invite you to my place, mate. Within a week, you would be converted to the Holy St-Flanelle, I guarantee it.
Hey, you see footage of the Ducks parading around a PARKING LOT with their Stanley Cup? A PARKING LOT, ferpetessakes! How many fans were there? 100? 200, tops? That is a TRAVESTY, man! The Cup was crying its heart out! "Get me outta here! Take me back to MTL where I belong! I'm in a parking-lot! Aaaaah!"
Do I bet my life that we get out of the East? Of course not.
Do I think that in normal circumstances, my Boys could win 4 games out've 7 against a Western team? No I do not.
But these are not normal circumstances, ajax. The Tricolore has a chance to potentially finish 1st in the East since 1989. THAT'S what's got the town all abuzz, mate. That's why we're friggin' losin' it up here. (in a good way)
As for my being able to see the Future...
Well, not to be smarmy, but I said that months ago too! Right or wrong?
Don't fight us, please. We are Love.
JOIN US, instead.
Swept in the first round?
Utterly impossible because we won't face the Sens in the 1st round and I don't see any other team capable of sweeping us. But maybe...
Oh, and Herb?
How long should Pronger's (again!) suspension be? 20 games? At least, right? But what is he REALLY gonna get? Lemme guess, more garbage spewing? Haw-haw-haw!
P.
BBR

[Herb]

I look to see who made the comment on this blog. If it comes from a certain 2 or 3 people that spew garbage, I won't even look to see what they wrote. It is easier to ignore.

[dwight]

leo and ajax..

You're right itsa blog but if you guys want to carry on a conversation take it to email or trade phone numbers. You're boring the rest of us.

[ajax]

Leo the Lip (oops that is Durocher)When and IF the Habs advance thru the cup run, I am going to "let" you fly us up for a game in the Fab Forum(did they tear it down?. Being a Montreal fan, I know you have deep blood lines(pockets) being an Aristocrat and all. I would love to see the passion, on you of course. I could be your hockey understudy for a couple of weeks and try to learn where you get that key eye for talent. Of course, sensei, the Habs could get swept and ruin all my plans. You know it has been 15 years since a new banner was hung in Montreal, what do they tell the 12 year old kids who probably are all Ottawa fans now?

[leo]

True dat, Bear.
Hope Gerber folds and folds quick cuz Habs just can't beat'em. Carbo says it's a question of maturity and the Habs' lack thereof. He says they're young and they have to "learn to win together". They left all their emotion in the Devil game on Tuesday. They need to "manage their emotions", says Carbo.
Ain't worried about the playoffs though. NJ, NYR, and PIT scare me the most and should we finish 5th, they would be the teams we'd see in the 1st round. Can't bump into OTT till the 2nd, at least.
Who is the "Kovo" that disappears in the playoffs? Not Kovalev(Kovy) or Koivu(Saks); they are dominant in the playoffs. So who are you referring to?
Premature?
On Smith perhaps, not on the Kid. Good Lord, has ANYONE seen him play? He is going to TAKE OVER the League and it won't be long. Maybe not this year but DEFINITELY next year. You can take that to the bank, Seagal. He's BETTER than Crosby, (Oh yeah, I said it, baby.)
Ajax,
Did I ever say straight-up? Ever? I might say it now but I never said it before.
Before, I said the Kid, PLUS prospects (the K's, a D or 2, Grabovski, whatever) PLUS picks!
That's what I said. Right or wrong?
Theodore?! Mwah-ha-ha! You never heard that tripe from me, my friend. I ALWAYS thought Theo was a Choker from the DAY HE WAS DRAFTED. Saw it in his eyes. I, myself, never understood the ridiculous infatuation for him, apart from his frenchinicity. When he saw real Pressure, he folded. Second he got his new contract, he disappeared. He will Choke and Disappear in these playoffs too. Don't put Theo on MY back. I never vouched for THAT sucker.
Furthermore, I was talking about MY record (which was being challenged) regardless of WHO said the same things I did, ajax.
And finally,
Be careful mocking those who will DOMINATE the Game. You may laugh but you cannot disguise the fear and awe in your voice, mate. You KNOW the Priceberg is for real. REALLY real. Don't mock him.
The Hockey Gods are listening, ajax.
P.
BBR

[Bear]

Leo buddy..way way premature on Price and Smith.

Burkie is the best and yes TO will pay him whatever amount he wants.

I think Brian is pretty happy about Bobby Ryan also stealing Bolts 1st pick for Obrien.

Whoops its not one game, here comes Ottawa with kudos to Murray and gulp Gerber ..Montreal can't beat them.

Kovo is shutting it down all right, its playoff time..no check..no effort.
he disappears in the playoffs.

I'm cheering for Gainey but Sens, when on all 8, are the cream of the east.

Heatly is a monster

[ajax]

You might be the only one on the planet with that opinion, but this is a blog. Time will tell in the next 4-6 weeks if it is truly love or just infatuation. I remember another can't miss Hab goalie, Theodore, hottest commodity in the NHL for about 120 games. I would trade VL4 for a bundle of players and picks in a sec. A few of us have been banging that drum for quite a while, not just your royal highnie!! Price for VL4, straight up?, stop my ribs are killing me!!!! Price did look good in the all-star game this year. Was it the AHL???? Stop, STOP, you're killing me!!!!

[leo]

Never forgot it, Ajax.
Still maintain it.
Add the Brothers K and you still wouldn't do it?
Madness.
One SuperStar for another. (Can we not call the Kid a Superstar now?)
Finally and Emphatically shore up the net for 15 yrs. (Read what BRODEUR said about him Tuesday.) Save bundles of dough to rehire free-agents and get the Brothers K (or McDonaugh,Emelin, whoever) as a Bonus?
No deal, Ajax? That sounds like a Joke to you?
Think Burke ain't kickin' himself for having taken Bobby Ryan instead of him? And Ryan ain't no slouch.
Moot point anyways,
Habs'll just buy Vinny next year.
Yeah, I said it, Ajax. And I meant it.
Woulda been great for Tampa; YOU woulda won out on that deal. Ask me now?
NO WAY!
The Priceberg stays; keep your Vinny.
BBR

[ajax]

You win, as ususl, oh exalted one!!!
Thousand lashes for ajax.
Price for VL4? ya must of forgot that little joke(hopefully you were joking)

[leo]

Ajax,
Please feel free to point out all the bunt foul balls I've made over the OTHER 5 months.
I was under the impression that I was batting close to 1000.
Let's review,
The Kid. Right or wrong?
We needed to Dump Brad but mostly, get picks. Right or wrong?
Ouellet wasn't all that. Right or wrong?
Martin Biron didn't have the "stones" to be a num1; he would fold and the Flyers would struggle. Right or wrong?
Cujo was finished. Right or wrong?
Emery was a dispicable hack who couldn't get traded for 2 tickets to the next game. Right or wrong?
Tampa had no num1 goalie, nevermind the defense, a true num1 goalie. Right or wrong?
Smith is a future Star. CAN'T ASK right or wrong in this case because in this case, like all cases with NEW goalies (not young, new) we need to give them time to integrate themselves to the team they're joining. But he's a Star. And I said so months ago. Right or wrong?
Maybe I suffer from selective memory, Ajax. Please tell me where I goofed so I can learn from those mistakes to better foresee,
The Future.
Whereas I remember reading from a certain poster whom I won't name, AJAX, but who you know quite well,
"Ha-ha Leo. Love your passion but the truth is: The Big3 aren't going anywhere."
Hmmmmm...
How's YOUR record, mate?
P.
BBR

[Joeb]

The fact is this: Lightning management is cutting costs because ownership directed them to do so. Torts and Feaster don't want to be $10 million under the cap! They have been asked, effectively, to put together a competitive team for 80% of market value, and as a result have 1/2 the team turn over every year.

It's hard for any coach to be successful without consistency in locker room personnell. I'll agree that it looks like Torts and Feaster haven't done a good job this year, but I frankly don't think anyone would have done a good job in this environment.

Their personnel decisions leading up to the Stanley Cup year were fantastic because they had one of the lowest payrolls in the league, but that's just a lot of luck, and very hard to reproduce. Now ownership expects them to do it again and we see the result. Maybe new ownership will be a little more realistic (read: want success just a bit more than a balanced checkbook).

[ajax]

Smith is the real deal. He has presence. You can see it for miles, he oozes it. Every 6 months or so my man Leo does hit a homer!!!! har har leo!!
Was flipping between the Bolts and The Stars game last night.
The way those teams played D and the way we play are night and day. Is it the quality of players?, sure, but it is also style. Detroit had a tough time even getting the puck in the zone at time against Dallas. The penalty kill they line up 4 guys across that blueline and it was pretty to watch. Those guys refuse to leave the blue line. Flipside you watch forwards skate into our zone all night long without having to dump and WORK for the puck. It has to be coaching style, has to. So easy to see, I find myself screaming at the TV late in the game, STAY UP!!! One particular sequence was exhausting. 5 minutes to go in the game and Vinny and Marty are really putting on the heat. They lose the puck and Bruins send it out to center ice, and Rnager and O'Brien are literally back at our own blue line already. If our coaching staff really shows these guys(game film?) how wrong it is to backup backup backup then you have to surmise we either have terrible players(and dumb ones) or they are not getting the direction late in the games. Maybe both?? A phrase that will be etched on my tombstone. Control the blue line control the game. I encourage everyone to watch this tomorrow night. THe 3-4 Ranger games I have seen lately, their D really stay up and are physical. Our 6 give up that blue line more and more as the game wears on. Two years ago Bobby the Chief told me in Hattricks( I went up to him and said, Chief, the D has to hold the blue line better)He says, and I will quote. "They are taught to keep everyone wide" I think that can work if you funnel people to the corners and then can win those battles(see Kubina Cullimore etc) That won't work with Janik and Lundin and KUBA. Chief says this constantly, "you can't keep backing up" Chief for coach?? Anywho, they are playing better. Blocking tons of shots, why now?? ABOUT TIME! Halpern did look a little ginger after the crosscheck. Maybe Torts will only play him 22 tomorrow. My last weekend game for me. The Budlite is going to taste extra good tomorrow. Go Bolts

[Gene]

I'll side with the split decision, get rid of Feaster but keep Torts. Excellent post researching the ice times of key players the cup year compared to now. For the past two years, we have payed the price of V4, Marty and DB being totally exahsted by the end of the season. The other guys, when placed into having to play more, are not used to it so they perform poorly too.

Now that they appear to have stumbled on two more forwards that actually can put the puck in the net, maybe they can keep V4 and Marty more rested. Agree with idea of getting a stay at home Dman in UFA and trade down the draft pick for more quality bodies to develop in the system so we have something to call up when we need it.

[Casper]

I don't know, Leo. I have this recurring nightmare the idiots will bring in a dipstick like Milbury and have us yearning for the good ol' Feastie Days.

[leo]

I never would have said so before but maybe a coaching change WOULD be good. Heck, a whole management change wouldn't hurt. Always liked Tortie but maybe his shtick IS gettin' old with the players.
With the acquisition of new young players and a num1 goaler, a new coaching staff would revitalize the team, give it a whole new start. A new beginning, y'know?
It should also be noted that although the salary cap limits the amount of quality PLAYERS that can play for a team, it has no impact on the hiring of qualified personnel to RUN the team.
In other words, you can spend the moon to hire WHOEVER you want and pay them WHATEVER you want.
Toranna is going after Burke in Anaheim, right? Think they'll pay him a competitive amount? No. They'll give him 5 times more to MAKE SURE he signs with them.
Get some competent guys in here, pay them whatever they want to GET THEM HERE.
And THEY'LL turn it all around.
Hey, who's more SAVVY? Feaster or Burke? C'mon!
Consider that Burke has 40yrolds on his team, he gave away a num1 goaler and he gave away a num2 center and he's goin' for the dang Cup again. The guy is Savvy.
Bolts need Savvy!
BBR

[Casper]

Good morning Jeff Halpern, how's the back? If you don't want to feel this stiff and achy for the rest of your life, then go real slow. Forget the doofus Rangers and forget next week, for that matter. Even if you feel pretty good, take a break; you've been bustin' stones ever since you got here and frankly, the folks around the Bay just aren't used to it. Relax a while, stretch a lot, and target a return on say, the 25th when the Stinking Panthers come to town. I know you'll want to play on the 27th, and this would be a good primer.

Tortorella and the trainers better go easy on the injured. This season is shot and the newbie's have very little to prove to anyone around here.
How's Tim Taylor coming along?????????????????????
It's March already... Yo, C, what up?

Let's reflect: we disgrace Dave Andreychuk and let Tool Man rehabilitate in a pool or on a bike with an 'honorary' Captaincy while the rest of his teammates (fill in the blank_______). The way we treated Andy, there is no (look, no caps!) honor in being a Lightning Captain under the suits of this pitiful regime.

You know I'd like to see the C on Marty, Vince, or Jeff Halpern. (Boyle? LOL--No!) As far as pluggers go, We would have tanked sooner, faster without the efforts of Craig MacDonald. (I noticed the more you challenge the guy, the better he gets!) So, if you want unsung heroes who lead by example as your Captain... (Guerin walked right in and the Isles just handed it to him.) Pursuant to becoming a danged hard club to play against, I think we should go out and get John Madden too. Then you take Marty, Vince, Jeff, Craig, Gratton, and Madden in a room, tell them the first three guys out the door are the Captain, and two Assistants, then shut out the lights and slam the door and wait for the rumble to subside. Problem solved and heaven help anybody trying to play us.

You know, Big Mike is starting to smell like the Khabibulin pick-up in 2000. Just shore up----no, build up (no caps!) the defense! This would be a great time to not let him get discombobulated, and recall Marc Denis for 2 things: 1) Show Ramo and Smitty precisely how not (no caps!) to defend the goal mouth.; or 2) Dangle him out there on re-entry waivers to damage another team or they'll revive him with a decent defensive squad. That would enable us to maybe even give Boutin a wee taste of the good life so next year in Norfolk doesn't look so dark and gloomy.

Ah, don't mind me, none of this is about me. We can only go by the misinformation we are fed. I believe in treating people differently. Positive reinforcement all the time; only when taken for granted and previously talked about negative trends become habit, will you hear a McCulloch chain saw or the hiss of a flame thrower off in the distance, coming closer.
Kind of the way I've blogged here for the past few whiles.
Press on with pride...

Go Bolts!

[leo]

They got our number,GP, that's for sure.
But the Priceberg was excellent. You obviously didn't see the highlights. Check the goals that went in on him, especially the first two, and DOUBLE especially the second.
Kovy was Shut Down. Plecky is sick; shouldn't be playin'. Koivu and Higgy are in a Major Slump. The Brothers K were good and caused the most danger but they never electrified the Sens enough to unbalance their fragile "moral fiber". Ryder and Latendresse were the most dominating over the last 2 games but nothing's happening. The Sens are CONFIDENT against us. That's it. Everyone can beat the Sens except us; I don't get it.
Ah, but this is regular season and at least we can still beat everyone else
until we cross the Senator bridge in the 2nd or 3rd round of the playoffs, IF THEY make it there. Chokers...
Should we meet them there and then?
They're finished. The Tricolore is coming out of the East. Any takers?
Chirpin' at me when they lose ONE game, GP? Nice. Will I hear praise when they win the next six in a row? And don't call me a b***ch, boy.
One more thing folks,
How was Mike Smith? Still wanna send him the way of Grahame and Denis? Still wanna have a "healthy competition" between Ramo and Smith? Want Holmie back? Or give Mikey the num1 job? Kid's a Star, I tells ya.
BBR

[GP]

Leo,

From TSN.ca - "Senators bewilder Habs once again"

It looks like the Habs are not even the best team in Canada!

The Price is wrong B--ch. lol

[GP]

One more thing, I bet he ends up in Dallas with his man crush.

[GP]

Ken Hitchcock is a great coach and he has been fired twice. Why is Torts getting a free pass? If it comes down to his extra year at 1 Million being the deciding factor, I will be the first person in line to lead a fundraiser to get him the hell out of here.

[JB]

There are so many question marks with this franchise right now, I can see why someone might be okay with keeping the coach for another year. The time to fire Torts was over a month ago when the playoffs might have still been salvaged. Now that the Bolts have flushed themselves down the toilet, there's not much left to lose in giving him another year.

Still, it is almost unheard of for a coach who has had and then lost success with a team to regain that success again later. Usually it just gets worse, and if the coach is good he'll rise up again with another team after getting fired. I love Torts, his philosophy and personality, so I hope he proves me wrong, but realistically I think it is time for him to move on.

Feaster is famous for making tough decisions two years too late, though (Brad Richards, anyone?), so yeah, he's probably going to stay.

[Herb]

Well at least the Kings won tonight to keep pace for Stamkos.

[Herb]

Didn't see any of the game tonight but I tuned into hear Miskin a couple of times. Nice win against a team that is really fighting it lately. Is that a new mask for Smith that the Times' picture showed? I will watch/record the game when it replays on NESN later on tonight. Karlsson got on the score sheet with a nice deke, wow he should play the lottery tonight.

[Casper]

Nice effort tonight. Not often enough do I get to see the Bolts take it to the B's, so I'll really savor this one. Thanks!

I hope Halpern's back is all right with rest. We learned a hard lesson about rushing back, and these games don't count for $#!%, so take it easy and don't risk a lingering thing. I hate my four bulging discs and numb left leg.
Really happy the rest of the gang 'picked him up'. Good stuff.

As far as I'm concerned, Mike Smith can paint a purple wizard's cap on his helmet. Get that boy some defense and we're going to get medieval with this conference next year.

Torts can stay, I guess. But....he has to get a defensive coach. No, no...a real, real (look, no caps, but catch the intensity...), r e a l defensive coach that will dig in his heels and set serious policy.

No more sniveling for tonight.
A grand evening to all...

Way to go Lightning

[olin]

...AJAX- 2 great post's today, as alway's your right on and I totally agree.

[Nils]

yeah, don't understand the new format. They overtinkered...maybe because of the extra step they can charge more for advertising "eyeballs." Newspapers are the worst offenders with website intrusive advertising.

Smith has been superb. Karlsson's deking was extraordinary.

[olin]

Jipppeeeee-Grattis til "PASTORN"...at long last #2.

[YGTBSM]

Not real crazy about the minor changes in format on the SPT. No more drop down from blogs tab to go directly to Lightning Strikes. Circuitousness is not a step forward, but what do we know?

Halpern hurt, uh-oh. Scores a goal and departs. You think the rest of the gang will pick him up? Me either.
Oops, Karlsson just did the deed; too bad he's gone in 3 weeks.

[Rudy]

Will see what happen today.

[Rudy]

And that 8-4 win ...
Vincent Lecavalier’s mom was watching.
Both his parents were in. That was good reason to show off.

[Nils]

Wow michael..not to pile on but whooaaa...Torts absolutely has lost this team. One blowout win won't change that. And, Another Joe, why does Torts "deserve" to finish his contract? Because you like him? Well most of the players don't and, as much as I enjoy your posts, their opinions count more than yours in this particular instance.

Does anyone think it would make sense to sack Torts and keep the other Reese and Sully? C'mon...no way. We all should be aware that Rammer was a lot more effect5ive than Sullivan.

I don't see committment from Koules or PSE. The difference is that PSE has the $$$ and won't spend it. Koules is a relative pauper as sports owners go.

[boltflasher]

Michael, that 8 - 4 win came against an injured team that had 8 regulars out of its lineup....

[M. Korsh]

I agree with most of the comments. Torts lost control of team long ago. Wife and I dropped our season tickets two years ago.

Defense is non-existent. Stick waving rather than body checking - or as Chief says, "take the man". Their performance in this regard is quite unremarkable.

As an old guy who has watched and/or followed hockey since the 1940's it seems quite apparent that the slot is the most important negative about this team. Both on offense and defense. How many goals against have been scored by opponents when a player drives up the slot and unimpeded, scores?

The highest compliment I can give a guy like Phil Esposito, is that I hated him when he played against my team. And that is because he stationed himself six to ten feet out in the slot and scored tons of goals from there. And who does that for the Bolts? Used to be Ryan Craig. When new guys come on board, they will go to the net on offense for the first few weeks - then seeing no one else is willing to replicate that behavior, they quit. Seems ironic that the little guys were willing - Cicarelli with over 600 goals did it consistently. Eric Perrin, for the short time he was here, led the team in time in front of the opposing goalie. These days, Marty will go to the net on certain occasions. Why don't the bigger players? Sure, you take a beating, but with the rules changed, that factor has been decreased.

Can Torts effectively demand that be done? Doesn't look like it.

With his hands, physical strength, V4 could increase his goal production by a good many if he'd get off the half wall and go to the net more often.

Speaking of coaching - can you imagine Jacque LeMaire putting up with the lazy defense this team plays? Well, enuf for now.

[ajax]

I always find myself feeling second guessed about Torts because of the sorry roster we have. For me, I have always felt the D is totally outclassed at this level. So, I did some research.
Sarich Pratt and Sydor all are 6th on their team in minutes for D. (Somehow I don't think Calgary wanted to pay Sarich 3.6 million for 18 minutes a night) Cullimore is 4th on Florida and Kubina is 3rd on Toronto. And poor Danny Boyle leads the entire NHL in minutes per night with our awesome 6. The rule changes really hit our 6 hard, and we have reeled ever since. As much as I dislike Torts and his system, his best bud Jay really has handed him a minor league roster. The night we won the cup? All 6 dmen played between 16.27 and 20.55. A very telling stat when you consider the 25-27-30 minutes that Torts throws out there now days. Amazing how you coaching style changes to the pitiful situation your GM has put you in. The night we won the cup?? Vinny played 15.58. For you hockey purists, that stat tells everything about where we are at three years later.

[Michael]

Weezer, I dont think Torts has lost the team either. Look at the 8-4 win. You cant just say, hey I am going to go out there and embarace a team and do it. You need to be playing well, and they have been, they just have been losing. Have seen them play better? Yes, but I have seen them play ALOT worse. So they havnt quit on Torts. And if they have, they are foolish, as he lead them to a Stanley Cup, and so its not like they have no reason to trust him or his system.

[Tackleberry]

Tundo,
Good point about hockey and the media in the Tampa area. I would hope that Oren K has a better plan to showcase hockey in the bay area. From the attendance standpoint, the Forum does OK by filling the seats. Could be a little better, but not bad. Attendance is normally around 15-18k on game nights. TB is normally in the top 10 for ticket sales/attendance.

I dont think Torts will be asked to step down. I think he will make that decision on his own. From HIS standpoint, what are the reasons (besides $1.3m) for him to stay? Who would replace him if he did depart? What good coaches are available? My gut feeling is that he will depart for greener grass.

[Herb]

Tundo, your 12:45 post (last paragraph) was poetry. You hit the nail right on the head,Bravo!

[Herb]

I could be wrong but if Torts stays, Vinny4 will be gone in the near future. I think their relationship will turn sour again and Vinny4 will (forgive my choice of words) bolt at the end of his deal or be traded before that happens. I hate Torts when he can't practice what he preaches. He is a hot head himself that can't be controlled. I know Torts will be around for awhile as DC suggested. Too bad because this season is an omen of things to come with his system and no good D-men to play the style other than Boyle. My opinion,it's worth what you paid for it....nothing. Go Army...Hooah!

[tundo]

Until hockey becomes more than a novelty in this area, don't expect the media to get too involved. They will continue to look from the outside, and try to put as much positive spin on the team as many times as possible.

Torts is not going anywhere until after his contract is up. If he were going to be let go, it would have happened by now, no question about it.

But like someone said earlier, every decision this team makes is based on the numbers, based on the budget. It is a fine way to run a business, but it doesn't translate well into sports. If the league is telling you, that you are allowed to spend x amount, and you spend less than that, chances are that unless you have been so bad for so many years and have amassed a boat load of talent through high draft picks (look at this years Rays squad), you are not going to be a winning team.

[boltflasher]

Or I should say, you can submit questions...will have to see if Koules questions are put on air....

[boltflasher]

You can talk directly to Gary Bettman with Bill Clement tonight and ask about the TB sale and Oren Koules:

Tune in every Thursday for the NHL Hour

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman is on the airwaves from 4-5 p.m. ET today (LISTEN!) for the NHL Hour on XM (Channel 204) and NHL.com. Call 1-877-NHL-ON-XM (1-877-645-6696) or e-mail nhlhour@nhl.com to ask questions or share your comments.

NHL Hour is a candid, interactive talk radio show that is hosted by a rotation of League executives, including Commissioner Bettman, Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly, and Senior Executive VP of Hockey Operations Colin Campbell. The show is co-hosted by XM sports host and former NHL player Bill Clement.

Joining Gary and Bill today:
Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment President Richard Peddie

NHL Hour will provide fans with the latest news and events from the highest levels of the NHL. The show encourages fans to submit questions via phone and email.

[boltflasher]

Torts has his responsibility in the current shape of the team, also, such as the Andreychuk affair, Modin not the same after not being allowed to celebrate his country's World cup, the never ending goalie saga, the poor powerplay the team has had for 2+ years, his constant doghouse...Stillman was constantly in Torts doghouse...it has been a combined effort by both GM and Coach to produce the current state. I think Feaster feels John deserves a shot at making the team play better, but it may not be wise...other good NHL coaches move on after 3 or 4 years, Hitchcock, for example. Its time for a fresh approach UNLESS the players want him back...

[ajax]

So many good points and very few for keeping Torts. I will be brief as to not upset the bloggers(pithy) The Cost of keeping him far outweighs the buyout. As many noted, the shape of the organization far outweighs the Torts dilema. This is Jay Feaster. But, He is likable and non-abarasive. The opposite of Torts. But make no mistake, so much of Torts short comings is by the hand of Jay. John has bore the sins of Jay. We have 3 Cup players left from our magical night. THREE. The coach is responsible but no one could coach this group. (that is Jay's fault) If this deal falls thru I pray that no one reups for tickets. Don't be sucked in again by the empty promise of "our team, our city" They have shown their true colors. But, Torts needs to go. The system we play is unlike any I have ever seen. I often wonder if the stars were perfectly aligned that one year. The new rules, the 21mil 4 three players, and the sale of the team doomed the roster. But the state of the team TODAY suggests that we were a lucky organization versus a solid organization. I think that sentence sums up how I feel. Remember the key pieces were here before Feaster, everything has been bad bad bad since(as far as management moves, contracts, trades etc) The "team" has made a huge Plus by getting rid of the "contract" I think the majority have seen their is an advantage to multiple good players versus a few great players. (Keep open minded about Vinny situation please)(look at Ottawa gang, signed three snipers and are struggling to win, sound familiar?) Summer will be so important. The deal has to close one way or another. Many free agents, one HUGE UFA, one very important draft pick. I have always felt Feaster and Torts are simese twins. How hard will Feaster fight when the sawgang demands Torts is fired? The sale of the club has saved both of their jobs for now. I want both of them fired but only see Torts getting the axe. Feaster has run this team in the groud from the minors up. He has zero eye for talent, he has zero ability to hammer out a contract. Did the RIchards trade save his job? I HOPE NOT!!!! We have fallen so sharply it is amazing both guys are still here today. Time will tell.

[Lisa]

I have said before that I don't know if Tortorella has lost the locker room or if the ownership situation has lost the locker room. The team was managing to put together wins and was not horrible until the team did not go after Bryzgalov. I think that the team saw at that point that ownership would not open its pockets and get them what they needed, and that is when the slide really began.

I think that Nan is right that if Koules buys the team, the first thing he needs to do is talk to the key players and really find out what is going on. That should be the key in influencing his decision. If the players express that they need a new coach, go for it, if they want Tortorella to stay, then that is something that he needs to take into account, especially if he wants to resign Vinny long term.

Lastly, I think that our young defensemen, especially Ranger and OB have taken a step back this season. I don't know if it is that they weren't ready for all the playing time that resulted from Boyle's injury, or if it is the coaching of Sullivan. I think we need a good, solid defensive coach, and we will see our young guys progress, instead of regress.

[keith]

I think most of us want to see a change with Torts leaving, simply because this season has been so dismal and disappointing and now there is nowhere to go but up. Torts seems to have lost his chemistry with the guys, no skipper in the locker room (or on the ice) and his tirades have become tiresome and predictable. Borne out of his own frustration I'm sure. Up to this year, his approach and style worked. Not to forget also he was given some "sand to build a house with" in the players Feaster signed last summer. This years "batch" shows a little more promise as far as next year. I have been on the same page with the "fire Torts" group most of the year. Maybe his time is done in Tampa. As someone above said, there is a shelf life/life span to coaches. Only a few Bowmans in history, but at this point it seems his scowling mug will most probably be behind the guys next year. If that is the case, we will all have summer and at least the start of next year to whine and moan about him.......unless......things turn around on the ice in 08/09. I am going to hedge my bets and sit in a wait and see mode. Sometimes its better the devil you know.
Meantime, we all have the complete freedom to blog about any matters Lightning we want to. Damian just throws the idea out there. I too, am tired of reading all the same stuff... so anyone got any topic for us all to dissect