Evaluating Barry Melrose

Personally, I think it is misguided to believe a coach should be judged after 10 games. I think it is shortsighted to believe that given all the extenuating circumstances we know about and the way training camp and the October schedule worked against this team, that the team's performance has been solely the responsibility of the coach. And if we're going to go there, 3-3-3 in October wasn't too bad, I say.

Yes, the buck stops with him and all that. But can we at least wait and see what things look like by mid December before we try to determine what kind of job the coach is doing? That's 25 to 30 games and that, to me, seems like a reasonable place to start making some determinations about the direction the team has taken.

Either way, the honeymoon has been short for coach Barry Melrose, hasn't it? To his credit, he spoke pretty candidly about the timetable he believes he is on. As he said in the paper today, owners Oren Koules and Len Barrie have made it clear they expect results and Melrose doesn't believe he will have a full season if the results don't come quick enough.

Here, to me, are the best ways to judge a coach in this situation:

Is the team getting better? Seems like the Lightning is getting better. Two huge road wins against the Maple Leafs and Sabres prove it. As left wing Mark Recchi said, "The guys better know their roles now and understand what it's going to take for us to be a good team, and a lot of that has to do with him. "Has everyone done the right things? No. We haven't as players. But he cares. He's passionate about it and wants us to do the right things."

Is the team playing hard? Don't think you can argue that point. And when the effort was not there, Melrose made sure the players understood there would be consequences. Ultimately, effort comes from a player, and certainly there was pressure applied in the locker room, but Melrose sent a message and the players accepted it.

Look, anything can happen. The bottom could drop out starting tonight, and then the dynamic changes. And can stuff happen behind the scenes that has nothing to do with the on-ice product that can affect a coach's job? Sure. But, for now, I say let's see what Melrose can do when the team has had time to come together some and is playing a regular schedule.

Like I said, 25 to 30 games sounds right to me. Then, I think, we can better judge.      

From the morning skate: Mike Smith, who is scheduled to start in goal, left the ice for several minutes after taking a shot off his thumb and forefinger of his right hand. He returned to the skate and Melrose said he believes Smith is fine and will play tonight against the Senators. ... Ryan Craig (groin) is off injured reserve and will play tonight. It is his first game since Nov. 10, 2007. The forward, who skated this morning on right wing with Chris Gratton and Gary Roberts was sidelined by back and knee problems last season. ... Scratched for tonight are forwards Matt Pettinger and Jason Ward and defenseman Janne Niskala. ... Defenseman Andrej Meszaros plays his first game against his former team. ... Filip Kuba returns to Tampa tied for the league lead among with 11 points, eight on the power play. ...  Senators coach Craig Hartsburg, who as coach of OHL Sault Ste. Marie, saw Steven Stamkos play for Sarnia, said, "Steven is a really gifted player, with speed and skill and he plays the game hard. He's going to be a top player in this league. It just takes all players time to find their game at this level."

Comments

[lLightningRodl]

TB I knew it was not you.

The psychotic's MO is to start out nice and then he/she tries to bait the blogger who wrote it, and also the blogger(s) who's name he/she actually uses in making-up their fake blog/response or set of fake blogs/responses. Thereafter, he/she waits for a reaction and/or continues to carry on a disjointed and delusional dialogue with himself/herself, using other bloggers names and/or names he/she apparently makes up on the spur of a foggy moment. I have come to strongly believe that he/she is in very dyer need of going back to their doctor and checking into the last institution that treated him/her in the past, so he/she can resume taking obviously huge doses of Thorazine and/or Stelazine. Over a long period of time, I am convinced that resuming inpatient treatment and getting back to taking this/these strong medication(s) in mega doses will allow him/her to get some minor degree of normalcy back in his/her life. If he/she have not been treated locally, along with having no access to these medications, please let me know. I am willing to call, some HS friends who are now medical doctors, to get him/her referrals to the best central Florida or local treatment centers available.

TB, please understand that his/her situation is all so very sad and clearly tragic; and I fell the strong need to try and help him/her. I am sure all of the long term bloggers on this site feel the exact same way.

Mr./Ms anonymous, we hear your cry for help loud and clear, so please let me and/or any of the regular bloggers here, know what we can do to help and support you, at this desperate hour in your myopic life. I will gladly pick up the cost of any and all prescribed anti-psychotic medication(s) that you are in need of, just tell me what pharmacy, and I will take care of it ASAP.

With warm regards, and my deepest and highest concern,
LightningRod

[Tackleberry]

The above two posts were not mine. I would never post such a harsh comment against another blogger.

[Tackleberry]

The above two posts were not me. I have never posted harsh comments against another blogger.

[Tackleberry]

Thanks. I should have known that was not Lightning Rod. Too long and boring.

Now, now, resist the flaming temptation and ignore the jackhole---again.

[Tackleberry]

Hey, LR, how about a little more brevity on your (good) points. Either that or contact Simon and Schuster. What are you trying to do...beat Ajax in the hot air balloon competition?

[lLightningRodl]

I couldn't agree more, that the coach and all of the new players need to be evaluated. You are right on point.

However, the other real issues and factors are when, how, and what is fair, given the state, quality, and psychological trauma of many of the players on the team at the end last year. Furthermore, given the additional factor that a large number of new players were added to the team before and during the early part of this season, this fairness question becomes more complicated. Then what is a fair time frame needed to allow any coach to effectively evaluate the mix and quality of this major revamped team. On the player's side, what is fair for the players to solidify/gel into a real team that cares and stands up for each other, develop the character and grit needed to compete game in and game out, etc.

First, let's face some facts, the Lightning over the last 2 yrs. was a team in disarray and had many holes; the coach was way to rigid to change/adapt to the players he had, took his short comings out on the players so he lost the locker room, and the ownership situation baffled him; and ownership wanted out badly so pennies we counted over the fans.

Having thought about and observed all of the major issues and factors of the last 2 seasons, and this season to date, there are apparent trends and obvious facts that shed some light on the current state and potential of this Lightning team and the new coaching staff. First, the solid goalie situation, which we now have, is a major component for any team to build upon; and having good goalies gives both the coach and all of the other players a huge advantage in the developmental process of formulating and becoming a good competitive team. Currently, the Lightning has one of the lowest average goals against per game in the league, which says volumes about this team's potential, even with the lack of scoring in first 5 games.
Next, having 2 good goalies and their results in the 1st 10 games have provided the coach and the rest of the team advantages that haven't existed since the CUP run. The advantages for Melrose and staff are they can evaluate more players, try different lines, give more ice time to players showing potential, put players in different roles/positions, etc. For the players, these include time to develop team and individual character, solidify/gel, come to believe that they have a chance to win every game, etc.

From what I see, I think that Malone, Hall, and R2KN have a lot of up-side. Sat. night Melrose started to use R2KN on the powerplay, and he help occupy a defenseman and partially blocked the goalie on V4's goal. Next, he went to the crease on a shift in the 3rd period, and stayed there. The result was nearly a goal by Recchi; and boy did he cause chaos when he did that. Let's face it, R2KN is our biggest and nastiest forward, why not use him like powerplay point leader Capt. Dave? Close in you don't have to have the best hands, just grit long with his size. Someone tell Melrose to do more of that, as it sure look good to me. Malone is starting to fit in, and he has elevated his game. Hall is simply playing good hockey every game. Other forwards are also improving. The def. is generally playing within itself; and considering most are young, there is up-side potential with everyone of them, with Ranger taking the lead.

Finally, after the Sat. win, there were horns honking everywhere, kids were screaming, adults were taking about what a good game it was, Smith was unbelievable, R2KN played a great game, etc. there were smiles on people's faces including mine. It felt like the good old days; and I walked home with a smile on my face and a jump in my step. I know there will be downturns; but I like what I am seeing and feeling once again about the team I root for, playing the game I love. Hard to ask for more than that, given the last 3 years.

[léo]

Just so you know, Don,
I never say "I told you so"
But I certainly don't mind when folks say it for me.
Hail Don of St-Pete.
P.

[Boltflasher]

Lets wait on Melrose evaluation till he has had a chance to use all of his horses...still waiting for Halpern to return and Vrbata to show up...

[Herb]

If I had my way, Smitty would start most every game except for back to back games. I am sorry, I am not a big Kolzig fan. I thought that Ramo earned his spot on this team but I am only a mere fan of the Bolts.

[Boltflasher]

I think that 1st rounder obtained in the Boyle trade went to Ottawa in Mezcaros deal..

[Tackleberry]

Great game, a little sluggish by TB at times. 1st period was held together by Smith. In 10 games he could probably have one great video of spectacular saves. Carle redeemed himself with a goal. he was having a rough night.

Arty was on fire last night. If you ask him, I bet he will say that was one of his best NHL games ever. He also had a monster of a hit. I think NFL players would have cringed at that hit. I think he is going to get better as the season rolls on. What a bargain for $1 mil.

I think this team is starting to Jel and get more and more momentum (with the exception of the first period). This game is a great booster to everyone's confidence.

I also noticed that Stammer has been starting to bump/hit more and more. Coach Bill pointed out that, if he starts to hit he will be hit a lot more. Good point. I would hope that he waits a year or two, gains a few pounds and then starts hitting.

I am still awed as to why MSL is not in the first 3 on the shootout??? V4, Jussi and MSL should be the 3 shooters (in my opinion). I was looking at Coach Bill in confusion when I saw MSL go 5th on the shootout.

I have been saying it all along that we need to save the criticisms until Dec. If the team is floundering in Nov and Dec. That is a fair enough time to start arm-chairing the coach/team. If Babcock were our coach would he be doing any better? The biggest factor is getting the team to work together, jelling!

Looking ahead to a rough 5 game road trip. Looks rough. NJ and then NYR the next night. I am guessing that Ollie will be starting against NJ and Smith will start against the Rangers.

"Worst to first"
Go Bolts

[Herb]

I'm hurt Chic. I was the one who noticed you on the jumbotron. Sorry Coach, my oldtimers has set it, I forgot to get with you about the watch party. I regret to say that I cannot attend because of work and prior engagements on Sunday.

The BR deal. Only the purist could know how good that deal was from day uno. And never forget the 3 million on top of it. Some of these "awful" trades just might tilt the balance sheet toward "team" and away from "billboard publicity" The Boyle trade looks like a downside "this second". But remember we have a 20yr old 1st rounder that is destined to be a player and another number one draft pick this year from that transaction. On top of saving another 4+ million to sign other players. Team=wins=smiley faces for all. Malone is looking better and better and better ain't he?
What if Helpern comes back healthy and strong? 4 time 20 goal scorer, great faceoff guy, great penalty killer. I do not know how things will play out "this" year. I still have big big concerns with transition. The D just has to want the puck more and feel confident holding it. But, man oh man, do I feel better about the Bolts today than a year ago. A year ago I knew we would have some great goals each and every night yet it would never be enough to win, and it wasn't. Smith is the real deal, he single handedly won the game last night. And playing at least 10 forwards all night long. Yes we have inched much closer to a winning consistent hockey team. Inched.

[coach bill]

Olin - We can do the Happy Hour again. I'll talk with Chic. Lots have asked for it. Does anyone still want to do that watch party this Sat night ( @ Philly) at the beach that I passed out at the last happy Hour? Call me on my cell. Tackleberry and I and Olin are still on for it.

[mike p]

Nice comeback win bolts!! I like the Brad Richards deal more and more as each game passes (and we only have 2/3 players from that deal playing right now)!

[Don in St. Pete]

Great result to a tough game. Too many giveaways, especially in the first period, but you've got to love the performance, especially of R2KN ( 8 shots and 6 hits ) and Malone with 7 hits. Arty got top six minutes last night and deservedly so. The guy flat out makes things happen. I'd still love to see Melrose give him a shot on the second line with Stamkos and Malone. Great shootout goals by MSL, Jussi and R2KN. Smitty has been unbelievable. Leo told us he's be good, but even in my wildest dreams, I couldn't have hope for as much as he's shown. Let's get on the road and leave it all on the ice. 110% every night. GO BOLTS!

[Tampa Wine Guy]

It is so refreshing to see the enthusiasm back in the blogs. It killed me not to be there, but business is business.

I was able to "watch" over the internet and some well placed spies able to text me during the game. It probably looked pretty stupid, but four of us standing around the computer to "watch" auto updates from nhl.com during the shootout (can't receive AM radio in the wine shop).

Six points against opponents that we were used to seeing a big fat zero! Fact is, there are only a few players on the team this year that even understand that, so they could care less about what happened in the past, and move forward.

Long road trip now, time to feed off this stretch and compile the points. They'll come home in first place in the division, and the "Evaluaing Melrose" talk will be lost for the rest of the year. You heard it here first, and it isn't the wine talking....Cheers all!........TWG

[olin]

..hey hockey chic, you must have been right near me, my seat is right above the cameraman who was putting you on the big pic, to the left of the tunnel entrance onto the ice on the glass so to speak. Best seat I've ever had in 9 season's, always something going on, and always those lovely lightning girl's doing their pom-pom's before they go onto the ice. Good to see you Bingo and meet your lovely wife. Coach Bill we need to have a few more get together's, please.
Again, a awesom game, way to go Bolt's.

[shock therapy]

We have an extra hour to celebrate the win today - don't forget to move your clockes back!

Folks - in all of the hoopla about wringing out Melrose and the cowboys, who is still recovering from injuries and who is not themself, who are the some the guys in general, overseas tour, etc........look what happens when you win a few games in a row - and this is why hockey remains the best sport!

Go Bolts!

[Hockey chic]

Can you say hell yes. I was so glad to see them beat the sens in our house I cannot tell you how happy I was.

I as well had good fortune to get seats right over the tunnel. Dude for $20.00 a piece if you brought a phone book to be recycled. Thanks DC for the heads up.

It was a stellar night and coach bill you are right a little slow but they found a way to win.

I could not watch MSl in the shoot out. Hey it is a superstition and it works. The good news is he scored the bad news was I spilled my beer jumping up and down. Hey it was worth it.

Coach Bill I also agree that R2kin was all over the ice. Man that guy is huge and he has jump. I am so excited to see this team after the crappy year last year find a way to win it. Can you say Smitty you are the shizzle.

Coach Melrose love the gansta look. keep it up. If that is what it takes to win I will live with it.

Coach bill once again you were right that was the chic on the tron. I saw Bingo and Melanie on the concourse as well. Great night for hockey baby...

Go Bolts lets keep the MO rolling on the road. You guys rock!!!

R2 almost won that game in the 3rd immediately after we tied it. I had a great view of that one, thanks to a bit of good luck...I got a free ticket after the guy selling it on the street suddenly ripped it to pieces, threw it in the air and stalked off like some drama queen in a shower of confetti, to protest my offer...thanks dude, wherever you are...ten rows off the ice, right behind Auld for both of R2's chances walking right down the middle. The first one he stickhandled right through the defense, just barely couldn't finish. I was stoked when he scored the winner finally. Good for him, I'm extremely glad we got him back. He makes the opponent nervous, which sometimes is all the edge you need.

Tonight we got an additional edge from the reason we don't have Brad Richards. Smith, party of one--welcome to The Real Deal, your table is ready. Not one game this season has he not given his team a chance to win. And after allowing just two goals to a team with not only Daniel Alfredsson and Dany Heatley but the high-flying point machine Filip Kuba, he capped it off with an electrifying performance in the shoot-out. Just sensational, and he did it with what you'd have to call flair, or verve, or je ne sais quoi. Confidence. Whatever. Definitely the #1 star, hands down

[coach bill]

Just home from the game. Herb, check out the time of this post. This goes along with my defense of why I'm not supporting the "local?" Rays and should drop my Red Sox. What a great night for the Bolts!For those not there, the first 2 periods were lackluster except for the great goaltending by Mike Smith and the constant checking and pressure put on by R2KN. The 3rd period saw us on a 5 on 3 ( actually 5 on 2 when their D man broke his stick and couldn't get off the ice) with no results except alot of shots. Arty was everywhere. I think we saw the emergence of a new superstar tonight. I sure hope so. I was sitting with Tackleberry and we both were screaming for Arty. He got alot of minutes tonight and was inserted on a critical power play late in the game.He was a constant presence with crushing checks all night. The payoff at the end when he scored the winning goal on the 8th shootout was a great moment in lightning history. I really believe that. Also the emergence of Mike Smith as a top line goalie was very encouraging. I still can't understand why MSL is not in the first 3 in shootouts. He shot 5th(and scored).

[Herb]

Hey Flasher, you are right about not coming back when losing after 2 periods. The Bolts earned 1 point last year when they were behind after 2 periods. That point came in Toronto. The Bolts lost quickly in OT.

[Herb]

Hey, anyone else see Hockey Chic on the jumbotron, during the second period. I could swear the Sens scored right after.

[olin]

....agree with whomever posted the Smith-Smith and Smith as #1 star, the guy was just awesom, with so many saves on shot's in close, not to mention the SO. He had Alfie very much frustrated. Meszaros's get's a big pat on back playing up to his old team as well. Great game by Arty, and nice to hear Louie-Louie on the sound system again. Good job Boy's keep 'er up.
Go Bolt's

[David]

Grrrrrrrrr.

What is up with televising games.

10 games can be enough to judge a coach. 10 games is enough for there to be a trend. I don't see one here so it isn't enough, but in some situations it certainly can be. A very poor start in the first 10 games can realistically bury a season, even in the very long NHL season.

We do look to be getting better, or so I hear since I don't get to see them,and I think that the Czech trip was nonsense and detrimental and we've had a ridiculously sparse schedule until this week.

Certainly 20 games in, 1/4 of the season a coach can be legitimately judged.

I want my
I want my
I want my Bolts tv.

[Boltflasher]

Don't look now but Bolts are now tied with Craps for second and a single point from 1st...

[Rudy]

Its only pity, that last owners, and manager, didn’t go by this rules. John Tortorela would be gone two years ago….
Its look to me very promising, guys playing with an effort and motivation, I did not see since we got a Cup. You cannot compare it to last two years. Even they are not wining, but they playing really great hockey, pleasure to watch…

[Boltflasher]

Just back from game, and WHEW!! what a shootout!!! Terrific win!....I may be wrong but I think last year's team did not come win a single game last year when trailing after 2 periods so this team is already better from that stand point.

Its just me, but I take this team over last year's...

P.S. Coach Bill...will try next time to get over there to your section...are you on the end or in the middle?

[rbc]

3 in a row, great job guys. like i said the other day, i would do that trade all day long. We finally got goaltending and the defense is getting better every game and the offense is starting to pick up the slack, 20-25 games i think we will be happy with the product on the ice. where are all the naysayers bad mouthing the team after the last 3 wins???

#1 star Smith
#2 star Smith
#3 star Smith
Vinny looked like he had the same problem as Rocco, geez how about a little effort.
Transition game is still big question mark if we are going to compete for the long haul. How many wrap arounds can you witness in one night. Ottawa started to pinch like crazy knowing we will never ever ever ever bring the puck up thru the middle of the ice. C'mon Barry keep working the D6 to skate.
Malone has won my heart. The guy competes, checks, what ever it takes. I think his line has been the best line three games in a row.
5 minute OT and Stamkos not on the ice, this is where he should excel. What happened.
Does anyone else think Smith was a pretty decent pickup??

[Don in St. Pete]

Can you say R2KN!!!!!!!!!!! Arty was a major reason we were able to surge in the 3rd and tie the game. There's a reason that R2KN was a plus+4 before this game ever started. He was one of the best players on the ice and deserved the 3rd star.

[geo]

r2kin

[McGz]

Its a shame that these games aren't televised. Bolts win in the shootout!

[Don in St. Pete]

It sounds like we were stale coming out of the box. We finally answered at the end of the second period and controlled the 3rd. Let's see how the OT and shootout fare.

Why the .... isn't this game on TV.

AGAIN!

[The Voice of the Turtle]

DC is correct. Unless there is some very immediate reason for a coach being fired, the guy needs the better part of a full season to work his magic. As it has been pointed out in several places, this is particularly so with a diverse group of players who are learning to play together.

Yet, there is already considerable reason to believe that Barry scores relatively low as a strategist and high as a motivator. Ordinarily, when talking about the most consistently winning NHL teams, the coaches bring both of these talents to the table.

My individual concern rests with the degree of freedom afforded to Barry by a group of NHL newbies in control of the team. The owners and the GM need to let the coach do his job without interference or the insinuation of threat predicated on disappointing early results.

Now, I am leaving for the game. Good night!

[Nan]

I think that 15-20 games is more reasonable but the most important thing is seeing the direction the team is taking. They are certainly better now then when they first started.

It's TOO early to tell, If the team was 10-0 we really don't know yet. The goaltending has kept is pretty much in every game. The defense has improved and settled down since Ranger has returned. If we can get the offense and power play working we should be ok. Even though they spent a Ton of money this summer, Its still all new coaching, system, and players. But we don't need a revolving door on coaches here either.

[LightningRod]

Yes, he needs a fair evaluation period, just as the players that have been added to this team do. With good goaltending to this point, that in itself allows for the new players to gel, and the coach to evaluate what he and his player are doing right and wrong. There is no sport where you can just buy a championship team ask the Yankees, Toronto, Montreal, Rangers for years, ask the Glaser's with ManU, etc.

[DADa]

Why isn't the game televised?

I expect DC to be called a Koule-Aid guzzling, rose-colored shill for suggesting 25-30 games before we run off a cliff screaming "The sky is falling" while furiously stabbing a Melrose doll. After all, many have done that already after 5 games, never mind 25, which seems a generous yet realistic amount of time for a coach to learn all his brand-new players' tendencies, idiosyncrasies and skill sets and how best to combine them to maximum effect, and for 14 new players themselves to find a groove and learn how to function as a unit. If it's happening consistently and we are in the division lead by then, I'd call the experiment a tentative success at that point. No doubt the return of Ryan Craig (tonight!) and eventually Jeff Halpern right about that time will help the team immensely, as has the return of VL and Ranger.

This team's best days lie ahead

Go Bolts, make it 3 in a row!

[Tampa Wine Guy]

Damian, you are probably right with your first paragraph here, but hey, it makes for great blog fodder, you must admit that.....TWG