Torts, Melrose? Time to end guessing game

I'm in New York through next week visiting family, so this will be my last post for a bit. But now that it appears Oren Koules and Len Barrie are all but a lock to be approved as the Lightning's next owners, it seems time to address the coaching situation; not when approval comes at the June 18 board of governors meeting, but now.

It would do both the team and coach John Tortorella some good.

Consider the team, which has to make personnel decisions this summer based on what kind of style the Lightning will play. If Torts is still the coach, it will play one way, if not (and the so-far undenied rumor is that Barry Melrose is ready to jump in), perhaps it plays another. Not all players do as well in every system. As for Torts, the guy helped lead the team to the 2004 Stanley Cup title. He was coach of the year. The team went to four straight postseasons with him behind the bench, give him his freedom, if that is the plan, and give him as much time as he needs to look for a new job.

Not that Torts will be out of work for long. The Senators, Maple Leafs and Sharks have been mentioned as possible landing areas. Another job also would take Tampa Bay off the hook for the $1.3-million left for the last season of Tortorella's contract.

The point is, everything goes smoother once the elephant in the room is shooed away. As it is now, the only part of the equation with any traction are persistent rumors that Melrose, the ESPN analyst, former Kings coach and friend of Koules, is waiting in the wings.

With the ownership situation all but wrapped up, there seems no reason to wait in announcing the direction the organization wants to go.

    

Comments

[Mike13]

I'm not a huge fan of Melrose's, but I agree that a coaching change is in order here. Can anyone tell me why our D coach isn't capable of taking over? Wasn't he the Head Coach in Boston?

Anyway, I read on TSN today that Melrose is a done deal, they're just waiting for the sale to get finalized. Apparently, one of the main reasons is that Koules and Melrose are buddies.

[Rudy]

Nobody can by worst then Torts !!!! Please get rid of him!!!!

Mullet maybe is not a best choice, but since he is an “analyst”, he know lot about all team, he has more time to watch everybody then stubborn Tort, who lately was watching only himself in a mirror. I’m confident he is going to be fine. And if Torts leave – we going to sign Vincent for sure, because otherwise he leave to Toronto. But if Torts going to Toronto (hopefully ) then is no way to force Vincent to go there. And like a bonus, Torts going to screw up Toronto, as he did to Tampa, and we have one less team to worry about.
Be O P T I M IS T Y C, nothing can be worst then last two seasons.

[Pucker Factor]

There are 155 votes for Mulletrose to coach the lightning next year. I think Koules and Mulletman voted about 75 times, and the rest were submitted by other teams that are looking for a coach cuz they don't want him. No Lightning fan with a sober mind would want him here.

[BOOOOOOO]

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[Matthew]

Melrose is a joke and letting Torts go would be an even bigger joke.. He will go to the Sens and win the cup.. MELROSE? C'mon people...

Melrose hated us in '04 and I hate him.

[Tackleberry]

Since the management changed the Lightning logo last year, can they change the mascot to a mullet? Will give-away nights include mullet wigs?

For Jay Feaster give away nights, can we get Sumo suits?

I was considering buying a 3d seat for my 3 year old son. I have paid for two. If Melrose is signed, I will not buy a 3d seat.

If Melrose couldnt maintain a playoff team with W Gretzky, why would anyone think that he can turn the Bolts around?

I would love to hear who's decision this is. Feaster, Campbell, or Koules. Whoever made the call, it will be your biggest regret.

Go Bolts

[vic]

I will not go to any Lightning games if melrose is the coach. This is Torts team and melrose couldn't coach his way out of a box. melrose has done nothing with his career or his hair..except go to the cup finals one year.. with number 99. Geese that must have been hard... winning with the great one on your bench. By the way melrose said that the Lightning had no chance to win the cup in 2004. He's a joke and so is this kroules guy. Boooo!

[Don in St. Pete]

Boltflasher, that is true to a degree, that the had a player like Delmon Young to trade to get Bartlett and Garza, But Hinske, Percival, Floyd, Pena, Wheeler, Iwamura, Gross, Aybar, Miller, Reyes and others were all free agnet signings. That is almost half the team so while your argument has some merit, it doesn't tell the whole story. FYI look at the last 3 games. Frisay night Floyd hits a 9th inning walk off homer, saturday he hits another to give us an insurance run, today Gross homers in the 10th to win it. Hinske and Pena have also hit some big homers to win games for the rays. A couple of goal scorers who can also play defense would help the Lightning in a similar fashion. That being said I agree that there is a tremndous lack of depth at the AHL level though I believe they have begun addressing that. In another 5 years of drafting like we have the last 2 the system could be restocked and that's a testement to the lack of Committment of the prior owners in putting together a top level scouting staff and evaluation program. I agree that Feaster should be the first one fired.

[boltflasher]

Don, the Rays have had the TOP minors program for several seasons and it is finally paying off....that is the reason for their success, not an influx of free agents...

[David]

If Barry comes here, I can get my Cincinnati Stingers gear out of the closet!

[Herb]

David, you are misinformed about the financing of the pending sale of the Bolts. OK came up with $100 million and is getting financing from a NY bank for around $50 million and THEN PS&E is financing around $50 million. Check up on that!!

[keith]

Hey Barry.....the 80's just called, they want their hair back along with you poncey coaching game.
Please dont bring this circus to town.
maybe it is time for Torts to head for another hacienda, but there has to be someone more credible than Mulletrose to take his place. Not coached in 10 years! It's easy to look good in a three piece and make astute comments on TV with no accountability.
Here is the scariest question yet.....why would ESPN hire Grapes to co-analyze with Melrose. Too many egos in that little booth. Is Cherry going to take over for Melrose while he goes on to something else?

[Bob]

OK, so they let Torts go. Barry Freakin Melrose? He played a few years and had ho hum coaching record. There are a heck of a lot of people out there that would be better the Barry Freakin Melrose. Heck give big Dave A a shot. Heck give Thunderbug a shot. Barry Freakin Melrose and his stupid azz mullet spell another year of lack luster hockey. This team has some talented players, we need someone to tap that talent. Maybe OK thinks he is making a hockey movie.

[Bob]

OK, so they let Torts go. Barry Freakin Melrose? He played a few years and had ho hum coaching record. There are a heck of a lot of people out there that would be better the Barry Freakin Melrose. Heck give big Dave A a shot. Heck give Thunderbug a shot. Barry Freakin Melrose and his stupid azz mullet spell another year of lack luster hockey. This team has some talented players, we need someone to tap that talent. Maybe OK thinks he is making a hockey movie.

[WIZ]

Stupid rumor that I am refuting here. Never really close to happeneing. A waste to energy to discuss something that is totally bullfeathers!

[WIZ]

Stupid rumor that I am refuting here. Never really close to happeneing. A waste to energy to discuss something that is totally bullfeathers!

[Don in St. Pete]

Lightning fans rejoice! There is hope! Look at the lowly Tampa Bay Rays, perennial doormats of the American League East. Where are they now? !st place and challenging for the best record in all of baseball. Let's parallel their situation to that of the Lightning. Most of the players they have now were there last year, but they made a few key acquisitions that have been enough to put them over the top. They signed a couple of good hitters who could pull through in the clutch in Floyd and Hinske ( like goals scorers in hockey, which we can fill through free agency ). They made a trade to rid themselves of some future salary issues and improve their defense sending Delmon Young to the Twinkies for Matt Garza and Jason Bartlett ( pitching and a good shortstop with great range are like defensemen and defnsive minded forwards in hockey, we got Halpern and Alex Picard ). Then they sign a closer Troy Percival as a free agent ( the closer is like the goalie in hockey and we got Mike Smith through trade ). Lastly they got additional offense and great defense at 3rd base from rookie Evan Longoria ( we're going to be getting Steve Stamkos ). The way I look at we are only a few pices away from a solid team with 4 lines, strong defense and a solid goaltender. Let's hope for the best in free agency.

[WIZ]

Again Matt you show your youth when you provide the reason why Vinny would stay.
As an UFA, Vinny can get NINE MILLION a year and pick a city, (ah could it be MONTREAL?????) or sign with the Lightning (who he surely feels grateful to for the sacks of $ they have paid him in the lean years and through a Cup, and into the new lean years)but, they will only get a slight "home town" discount. It will still have to be eight million plus, a large sum for an organization that is retooling and already has seen what happens when a huge part of salary is invested in only a few players. Torts "letting him play HIS game" is nowhere in the equation. You fail math like you did insult 101 with your insulting comments about me on the Artyukhin blog.Go back and read my answer to the Artyukhin blog insults you threw at me! Oh, and grow up!

[Tampa Wineguy]

Badbud's solution is to watch the Lightning leave town. Yea, that'll show 'em. Dolt.

[Don in St. Pete]

To Boltflasher and Bear, The free agents I suggest were specifically because the WEREN'T the best available. We don't need to get into that mode of giving a 35 year old a $5Mil a year contract. The guys I picked were all younger 27-30 and if you do the research excellent 2 way players and excellent skaters. If you watch the Red Wings and the Penquins what stands out? The skating ability of these guys. The Penguins stole Hossa from the Thrashers because for him and Dupuis ( another excellent skater ) they gave up three guys who couldn't skate a lick. Look at the Lightning when we won the cup, we had excellent skaters, even Andy and Sydor were powerful skaters though not fast. Now we have Tarnasky, who a kid could knock down and Craig ( who I like because he's willing to stand in front of the net )who is a mediocre skater at best. I'd rather see us add 3 guys who can score 25+ goals, skate their tails off and play solid D than 1 $7.5 million dollar man who'll score 30+ goals. Also this leaves a few dollars to sign a couple of veteran defensemen and sign guys like CMAC and Darche to 2 way contracts in case of injury.

[Valerie]

Agreed wahls.. Torts: thanks for the Cup and the entertainment! Best of luck to you.

"If" Melrose is indeed behind the bench.. I'd rather he's not. ESPN can keep him.

However, if he's here... who else is excited for Mullet Mondays? Just think, showing up in your best Melrose hair-do could get you cheaper tickets for the game, or perhaps a discount on your new Stamkos jersey...

[David]

I'm no fan of Melrose, but I think he might be good. Good for one year.

After the abuse Torts dishes out, usually an "I'm OK, You're OK" kind of guy like Melrose gets some mileage out of a team and gets them feeling better about themselves.

However his coaching skills aren't that great, so I'd bring him in as a one year motivator.

Though I'm still hoping the NHL puts the kibosh on this gift, I mean sale, of the franchise. If PSE has to lend 50% of the value to the buyer it shouldn't go through.

Feaster needs to go first though. No question about it. In reality they both need to go, Feaster gave Torts a poor team, and Torts refused to change his style to use lesser players, resulting in driving the 1st line into the ground with excess minutes.

Team wont Need GM,,Hollywood going to make all those choice's Feaster will hang around 1 year then take a buy out to get away fron these new Assclowns.

Torts will be back will the Lowly Lightning be ready,for that?

[BoltFlasher]

I thought a new fresh approach was needed,...a mullet was not what I had in mind...

[BoltFlasher]

I thought a new fresh approach was needed,...a mullet was not what I had in mind...

[Herb]

I meant Scotty Bowman...oooops

[Herb]

Patrick, you are right about the fact I wanted Torts gone but this Melrose thing has made me believe in that saying "be careful of what you wish for" is dead on accurate for me. I hate even talking about the possibility of Melrose coming here and has me enraged. The guy is a joke and if he was any kind of a good coach at all, he would have been hired by another team long before the past 12 years. He is a hack hockey commentator as well. Torts is Scotty Bouman compared to Melrose.

[Badbud]

Tampa Wineguy

This is just the kinda fan that Koules needs,Got his money in OK bank.

That is OK wineguy,Mullet and Hollywood gong to introduce you to Hockey.

Torts will be out of job,about 10 mintues

[ajax]

The TSN artiole should of been written in the SP TIMES about 18 months ago. Everyone should read this because they're some good points about Jay in that article. Torts was a victim of Feaster, but I believe with all my heart that the big 3 signing 21 million was blessed by Torts, so I can't let him off the hook. Torts has always been about offense first and "all I need out of the goalie is to perform miralces every night". I could care less where Torts lands. We need to take care of our own home first and the other 29 teams? Who cares??
I haven't read even one article on any website that thinks Melrose is the answer. Somehow I think this just will not happen. Melrose is not a serious hockey "man" and that is what we need, not Mr. Hollywood.

[Tampa Wineguy]

Torts will forever be known to Bolts history as Tony Dungy is to the Bucs history.

I just hope Torts lands in the west, and especially not in the SE.

Go Bolts. I've renewed regardless. I'll even cheer on Mr. Mulletrose, because he will now be the Lightning coach.

[boltflasher]

If the Mullet is indeed on the way, Torts should be freed up to interview for the other vacant positions...

[hyjyljyj]

If I may...

Torts being the "all about me" type...funny.

Totally fair to bang away at will on his results since 04 when TB got slammed by the lockout/CBA. Pound on him for not being able to ride proven top-notch superstar #1 goaltenders like John Grahame, Sean Burke, Marc Denis, Johan Holmqvist, and Karri Ramo to another Stanley Cup. Beat on him for cursing and speaking forthrightly without tiptoeing around people's tender sensibilities. But questioning his intentions, character and integrity simply does not fly. The man was nothing if not consistently committed to doing what he believed to be in the best interests of his team, players and mgmt. Rather than being self-centered, he repeatedly has deflected attention away from himself, such as when he accepted the Jack Adams Award as coach of the year in 2004, calling it a TEAM award, and passing the accolades on to the players and other coaches. Before that, he had the balls to use the masterfully brilliant "Shut yer yap" gambit to deflect attention ONTO himself and OFF the players at the perfect time for THEM to benefit from it. The sheer judgment. That move was pure genius, how soon we forget. Ah, but wuttayadunfermelately, John boy? Fair enough. You wanted change, you got it. Now it's time to start railing about the NEW coach.

As for Smellrose, he hasn't done anything in coaching to speak of. Aside from winning the Calder Cup, winning the Memorial Cup, and taking the Kings to the Stanley Cup Final, that is. Didn't win the Cup as Tortorella did, but went to OT three straight games vs. the vaunted Montreal Canadiens, who only had the best goaltender in world history. Other than that, Melrose is a loathsome loser. Just look at his clothing and hair.

Yeah, the dolt never picked us to win any series in 04. Who did? That was then, this is now, it's his team (assuming he gets hired). What if he's a team guy?

What I wanna know is....

WHO IS THE NEW GM??

[boltflasher]

Where are those comments now that this blog was boring?...

[boltflasher]

This from TSN: If the Lightning is firing its coach, why isn't GM Jay Feaster looking down the barrel of a pink slip, as well?

It wasn't Tortorella whose mismanagement of the salary cap should be required reading for any prospective NHL GM. It wasn't Tortorella who drafted so badly that there were virtually no NHL-ready players in the organization to fill the deep holes. It wasn't Tortorella who tied enormous amounts of money into three players, was forced to get rid of one of them, then exacerbated the problem by signing veteran defenseman Dan Boyle to a five-year contract extension worth $6.7 million per season.
See the rest at: http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/16362-Analysis-Tampa-hiring-Melrose-makes-no-sense.html

[Casper]

I'm just sick that this pomade slathering puke is going to run his brand of jive in our house. Not only in '04, but any time in the last dozen years the Bolts were mentioned on ESPN, Melrose sandwiched it around a sneer. Well, it is now pay back time for the supercilious grease ball.
BTW, he wasn't much of a defenseman either...

Fare thee well Torts, though a shambles, you left us in better shape than you found us and it had a sweet memory in between. Thanks. You had good people, you should have listened to them. Rammer knows his stuff; Andy held the room--- y'all never should have taken that dump in his helmet.

Tell me again, what was the big hairy emergency that summoned Fredrik Modin away from celebrating one or two measly days with his 'Mates after the Turin Games in '06? That one move affected Brad Richards' game and the Club's psyche, more than all the accolades you tossed. Modin couldn't remain here and help work someone else into #19's mini-system; they all had to fashion a mini-system within your "system". I hope you take that knowledge with you. (Also hope we learned from it and apply better professionalism with the new dunce.)

You yell more, they listen less.

Okay backward Bolts, the GM should have gone first; but just be certain he goes, fast, or this folly will be magnified--- if one can imagine that!

Parachute Hint: Pat Burns for Assistant Coach, please...

Go Bolts

[wahls]

Well I know this is from Eklund, but he is reporting that Vinny is on the verge of signing a lifetime contract with the Bolts. I figure it has some credibilty because if all he was looking for was website hits, this sure wouldn't be the news he would report. Just figured some of you would like this better than complaining about Melrose (Eklund also says that Melrose will have a much more hands on position with player personnel decisions along with his coaching duties). Maybe we should calm down a bit about burning Melrose at the stake. If Vinny is willing to sign for the rest of his career with us knowing full well what is going on, it can't be all that bad (I have heard that the players loved Melrose when he coached the Kings).

[Badbud]

Torts is going to go to some team and Shove it up to Koules "Butt"

LOL LOL LOL LOL

Some one tell me how Hollywood is going to pay for all these players you people are wanting,,Plus Pay the Nut on a Million dollar loan.

Guess in the end Oren's pockets was not as Deep as lot thought they were.

Barry Freaking Melrose,,,You got to be Shatting Me.

[Patrick]

Man, I didn't want Torts to go even before I starting hearing Melrose was the replacement. I bet keeping Torts is starting to sound better to some of you now.

Yeah Melrose went to the Stanley Cup Finals... did you notice who he had on the team? Only the greatest player in NHL history - Wayne Gretzky. Has he ever turned a roster like what Torts started with into a Stanley Cup winner? No.

Does he even have that much credibility as an analyst? I like listening to him on espn, because he's somewhat entertaining - kinda like chatting with a guy in a bar about hockey. But wasn't he consistently wrong about the lightning during their cup run?

Torterella has credibility for taking a underachieving team and turing it around - he is the coach we actually need now, or at least someone with a similar resume, who has coached in the last decade.

If Torterella is really drawing interest from some canadian teams even though he is american, that should really clue some people here in on how "bad" a coach he is.

[GP]

Don,

Love the player personnel talk. I think you have left out both the offer sheet & trade possibilities.

Offer sheets - I think there are players out there to be had this year. The big names most likely will be matched and who wants to give up a boatload of draft choices. However, young players who are blocked can be available and could really help rebuild the NHL & AHL roster. I'll give you and example. Ryan Potulny of the Flyers is a RA. The experts say he is ready for the NHL but he is blocked. The Flyers probably would not match because they have so many young players already and would accept a mid level draft choice. Lots of players like him could be available.

One guy I would really like to see here is Blake Wheeler. He just turned down the coyotes offer and could have a lot of teams after him. He could possibly be had with the prospect of playing with V4 & Stamkos .... & for Melrose(lol).

[GP]

Ok, so I'm not exactly a huge fan of the Melrose hiring but give it a chance.

1. For those of you that think the Lightning would be the laughing stock of the league if Melrose is hired ... hmmm ... look in the mirror ... the rest of the league is already laughing.

2. Do you honestly think someone like Burns, Wilson, or Quennville will come to Tampa with the state of the franchise? Not a chance. Wilson & Quennville are not the great coaches they are billed to be .... they have come up short with great rosters. What would they do in Tampa? Tavares ... he we come.

3. Players love to play for Melrose because he takes the stress off of the players. Imagine what that could do for the further development of the players? V4 may have needed tough love but Torts has clearly lost his message. Torts is a very good coach but so is Keenan. Melrose may be the only shot Tampa has of attracting FA that want to play for him.

4. Someone mentioned Melrose and the Kings being favored in the SC against the Canadiens. Untrue. THe Canadiens were beasts that year. Check out wikipedia.org and search Melrose.

Look, it could be worse. We could continue with what we had this year. Hopefully, OK will make some changes and get some hockey minds in the front office. Maybe even a dual GM role. It seems to be working in other places. Melrose will be alright if they bring in some up and coming assistants like Kevin Dineen or Rick Tocchet who eventually could take over for Melrose if he doesn't work out. Look at the positive, at least OK is making changes because this organization desperately needs it.

[Tom M]

Oren "Chainsaw" Koules + Jay "Krispy Kreme" Feaster + Barry "I haven't coached in 12 years" Melrose = three stooges who will be the laughingstock of the NHL for as long as the soap opera continues.

Get your "Three Hockey Stooges" t-shirt and wear it on opening night. It's going to be a long season!

[DSB]

TSN,THN and ESPN all reporting Melrose in, Torts out. Mullets are jumping in all Florida waters. Mullet will be named the state fish per request by Oren Koules to Gov. Christ.

[boltflasher]

I think the jury is still out on the Wash Defense and can Federov and Kozlov keep being expected to produce? Ovechkin and Backstrom are good as is Semin, but Semin is hurt alot. With Huet they have will be tougher in that area but their D is not as good as Montreal and questionable...If they add some good D in the offseason though, yes, it will be tough on the rest of the division to keep up...

[Nate Dogg]

Barry Melrose= slap to the face of every Lightning fan who's been with them since day 1.

If it wasn't for me re-upping this year for season tickets, I honestly would protest and not go to the games.

Now when I go to games, I'm just gonna make 8x8' signs showing my detest of the decisions made by Marc Cu-*cough*...Koules...

Listen, I'm sure many of you know I'm all in favor of keeping Torts around...but BERRY-FLIPPING-MELROSE?!? Of all the coaches available! You pick up a guy who rode Gretzky's coattails to a Stanley Cup exit in 1993 and has been on the sideline since 1996!!! ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?? I'd rather see Koules bring back Terri Crisp for pete's sake!

THE ANTI-MULLET COALITION STARTS NOW! WE WILL NOT SETTLE FOR MULLET-IOUS MEDIOCRACY! IF I WANTED TO SEE A MULLET AROUND A LIGHTNING GAME, I'D FLIP OFF TO JOE DIRT DURING THE COMMERCIALS!

GO LIGHTNING!
Nate Dogg

[bear]

Agreed Flasher,but only if Washington would go away. They are close to being a very good team.

[boltflasher]

Don, the FAs are (for TB, not for other teams with more depth) a stop gap measure for the Bolts due to a lack of depth and no minors. The key to the Bolts turnaround is to build the minors and draft well which takes time...its going to be a difficult couple of years till the Bolts can catch up with some good young players (and that's if they do a good job in drafting and talent evaluation, something that has been lacking in most of their history). However, due to the poor SE division, they may sneak into the post season if they just keep up with the rest of the wretched SE lot...

[boltflasher]

Yes, Don, the team would be better, but those FAs are not top notch AllStars and are not even as good as what the Bolts had 3 years ago...Andreychuk, Modin, Stillman, Kubina, Sydor, Cullimore, Sarich, Pratt, and, yes, Richards....however, I do like Huselius and Hagman, and Hainsey (though, he's more like Boyle and we need a big D who can clear the crease and play against the other teams #1s) and did I see that exBolt Langkow is on the FA list??

[bear]

Don what ever it is you are enjoying please pass it along.

See Patricia.

[Don in St. Pete]

Hainsey can run the power play and if a player can put the puck in the net, play defense and fits the role of the player we need then it frankly doesn't matter what line they played on. Malone is playing on the top line with Pitt NOW and could provide some protection to V4 and Marty as well as add 25+ goals. Vrbata is a dynamic skater and scorer and would open up the ice for his teammates if he lands in the right place he'll score 35+ next year. I chose Hagman because he's a good goal scorer and a great guy down low in the corners, and he's a pure skater who scored 4 shorthanded goals this year. I like Guillaume Latendress of the Canadians too. We don't need any more puck moving defensemen we need some solid defenders. Look at the plus minus numbers of Sopel, Slavador and to a lesser extent Rozsival. Compare those to Luckowich ( who I love because he hits )Obrien, Boyle, Ranger and the rest of our D.

[Patricia]

I don't see the players as mercenaries first team second. Most take the opportunity to place themselves in a wining environment. Do you think we are a couple of players away??
Maybe Heatly, Luongo and Orr.