Vinny denies again

Lightning captain Vinny Lecavalier for the second straight day denied an accusation he was part of a player revolt that on Friday got coach Barry Melrose fired.

Melrose, himself, made the first accusation when he said in several media interviews that players who "didn't want to be accountable," but who he would not name, went to ownership and pressured for Melrose to be fired, an accusation denied by owner Oren Koules and general manager Brian Lawton. On Saturday, Hockey Night in Canada's Al Strachan said in an unsourced report, "I heard Vinny Lecavalier went in to ownership and said, 'I didn't like it under (former coach John) Tortorella. This is worse under this guy and you've got to get rid of him' "

"I didn't do it. I don't know what else to say," Lecavalier said Wednesday. Later, he reiterated, "I'm telling you, I didn't say anything. I don't think any of the guys did. He's just saying that."

Asked if he worries his reputation can be tarnished by such accusations, even if they are not true, Lecavalier said, "To tell you the truth, I don't. (Strachan) said what he had to say ... but there weren't facts."

New Lightning coach Rick Tocchet said he never heard any rumblings about a player revolt. As for accusations hurting Lecavalier's reputation, he said, "I don't think Vinny really cares. ... They're always looking for stories. With him, they're not there."

What is probably there: conversations with players as management and ownership tried to get a handle on its coaching situation. No matter what anyone says, I can't imagine either management or ownership signing off on firing a coach without first at least taking the pulse of the locker room. Does that rise to the level of a revolt or is it players just giving an honest opinion? Until somone offers proof of an organized revolt, I just don't buy it    

To be fair to Strachan, he said he tried to call Vinny but had not gotten him on the phone before he went on the air. Supposedly, Vinny's side of the story will air this Saturday. I don't know what other "side" there is. Lecavalier has denied it twice. Will be interesting to see what else he has to say that he hasn't already.

I did find interesting, though, that the report said Lecavalier found it worse under Melrose than Tortorella. Obviously, someone was not around when things were at their worst with Vinny and Torts. I mean, it was so bad, Vinny asked for a trade. I know Vinny's ties to the community are a lot stronger now, but, outwardly, there was no indication Lecavalier's relationship with Melrose had soured to that extent.

Here's my plea: Melrose would not name names and Strachan's report was anonymous. If someone goes on the record with this stuff (see Tom Jones' Page 2 today), I'll listen to anything. Until then, stop forcing Lecavalier to answer to reporters while those who accuse him hide. 

Stuff from practice: Left wing Ryan Malone (leg) said he believes he could play Friday against the Predators. ... Forty-somethings Mark Recchi and Gary Roberts were given the day off by Tocchet, though both worked out in the training facility at the St. Pete Times Forum. ... The third jersey will be worn Sunday against the Devils.

Comments

[MANAVIS]

Some one said he other day that Roberts was the one who went to management. I can believe that more than I can believe Marty and Vinny going to Koules. No one really knows the facts unless Koules comes forward and says who did. This team has a lot of problems and no chemistry right now. They will drag the cellar again unless they make some vast improvement with their attitude.

[mike p]

This is a silly argument/rumour. a) vinny didn't go to management b) if melrose sucked, he sucked. If some players DID go to management, it wasn't just b/c they didn't like the guy's character or something, it was b/c he was unfit to coach.

[Mike S.]

My final comment on the topic... I read an artical on SI.com about this. Very well written and expresses much of what has been said here.

[Stacey]

I think they just chose Vinny to be the player in question because his name is good for a headline.

If they ASKED Vinny and Marty and EVERYONE else what they thought I'm sure they would've just told the truth which was Melrose wasn't effective because he wasn't really coaching. I saw that bench. I saw who was drawing the plays! Guess what? That person is NOW our coach. Might as well give him the title since he was already doing the duties. In your WILDEST dreams, could you imagine Torts coaching like that? Hell no. There is coaching and what Melrose was doing. Good riddance. GO BOLTS!

[Pd]

actually its the NHL code of conduct making who ever did it, a rat of epic proportions

[D]

Vinny is the captain of this team. He and Marty are more deeply rooted as Bolts than anyone, at this point. So, as far as I'm concerned, if one or both of them went upstairs - GOOD. And I don't much care whether it fits the Canadian Code of Conduct. Any casual observer could see something was seriously wrong on that bench. Melrose was a horrible mistake and they did the right thing getting rid of him before the season tanked.

[Grannyboltsfan]

Any one who really knows Vinny knows he is not a spoiled brat! He is a really nice person who you would be honored to call a friend. It would be grossly out of character for him to go to the owners and demand the removal of a coach. He would however tell the truth if asked a direct question. This season is really just getting started. Give the guys a chance to gel. There is nothing that can be done about the stats thus far. We are on to another new phase of the season and after 2 games it looks like it might be a more positive direction the team is headed. Give thanks and encouragement for the good work by all involved. You know what I think? These owners are really trying to get it right and to present a good product to the fans. Let up on the team, coach, owner bashing and start cheering the team on! That's what true hockey fans do.

[George]

Melrose didnt commit libel because he knowingly kept it vague. That is exactly why it BACKS UP that HE IS LYING . If it was true why not say exactly what you are tyring to imply instead of being cowardly. He is a COWARD.

[PD]

Ajax Mats didnt spend his entire career outside the blueline calling for the breakout pass.

[Pd]

Rabid, thats truly funny Ajax, you are fighting the truth like you are fighting for your last breath.
Project much??

I admire yout loyalty man, but you are way off the reservation and do stay tuned.

Leo nailed it as is usual, Why would Melrose go on national TV and committ libel?

You have no logical answer for that, nor does anybody. and to have the story seep from several sources like it is will clarify things smartly.

How about anwering the Q Ajax..should Vpout be wearing the C?

[ajax]

I always thought Marty should be the captain. I thought that 3 years ago, as I think Marty is everything a hockey player should be. Unlike you, I think VL4 is a heck of a player. "Floaters" as you call him affectionately, don't lead the NHL in goals by accident. Last I checked Mats never even had a top 10 year in goals. His best year was when 12 guys had 50 and he was his usual middle of the pack self. Sundin was a class guy I suppose, just not much of a winner.

[mary]

Why would Vinny lie?? what does he have to lose? nothing, his reputation wouldn't be tarnished because even if he did it, it would've been for his team, and that's part of his job. Melorse is just trying to safe the little reputation he has left as a coah and just trash talking the players.

News to Melrose, the majority of true Lightning fans won't turn against Vinny, no matter what you say ,it just not going to happen.

[ajax]

Gutless hit a nerve. PD the little banter above describes you to a "T" Sundin nothing but class, but Vinny a turncoat backstabber. Man you are one awesome Lightning Fan!!!! Your hate gets you into almost a rabid like state. Never seen anything quite like it in all my years. To be so deeply involved in something that you obviouosly hate so much. And it is your choice to do it. Astonishing thought process.

[PD]

Don't usually respond to gutless anon bloggers, but Sundin is pure class.

He is also under contract to no one right now so why is that of concern?

ur rite ajax, that turncoat would never be my captain but to turn it back at you do, you actually think he should be wearing the Bolts C? just askin.

PS. If Vinny, our captain is a backstabber PD. How would you describe your captain, Mats, who doesn't even want to don the Fab Blue sweater in his little power play?? Those who live in glass houses shouldn't throw bombs(daily in this case)

[ajax]

Just a grammatical correction. In your post PD, you said "our" captain. You should of used the word "your"

[Ron MacLean]

Hockey Chic: Thanks for the great idea about the TV show. We can bring Barry Melrose, Al Strachan, Sean Avery, and Baron Von Munchausen together for CBC hockey commentary. However, we'll need a host(ess) - are you available?

[PD]

Mike it kind of gets to the root problem, the integrity of the ownership in tandem with the character of the captain.

Why have a coach at all if that's the case?

Just put Barrie behind the bench because he has micromanaged the entire flockup in the first place.
He can continue to draw up the winning plays with Vinny between periods.

Leo your reference to INVESTMENTs is a double entendre no?
Half these guys have invested in Barrie's failed Bear Mountain, that's how Pettinger came here too.

[Mike S.]

Oh... and does it really matter anyway?

[Mike S.]

Well... gotta wonder. I'm sure there's some truth in the story. I'm thinking that it wasn't the players that went to the owners and management. With the appearance of serious micromanagement on the part of the owner/management, I'm wondering if it wasn't the owners/management that went to the players. If that's the case, Mullet Head is misinformed and V4 is telling the truth.

In the end what the hell difference does it make who said what to whom, when and why? Soap opera/"Real World" stuff for teenage girls. I like hockey better.

You wanna believe some media hack over Vinny Lecavalier, go ahead. The timing of Strachan's predictions is somewhat remarkable; but maybe someone BESIDES Lecavalier had something on Melrose and leaked it. Who cares? Bottom line, Melrose is gone; if that's what you wanted, you should be glad if players took the initiative and leadership to make it happen. What if it WAS Vinny? He's the captain, and he did something to improve the team. Let's hang him in effigy. Marty too, just for good measure.

Starting to think people just want to b!+ch

[PD]

Chic the book won't be about Mullet rather the twin drama queen cons, Koules and Barrie. Love your title.
BM will be prominently featured as will the pouting backstabbing captain.

Heh Amanda, right on the theory of the broken clock but since the guy called the hiring 6 months before anybody, called Koules buying/renting the franchise and called Melroses firing to the day two weeks in advance that falls under a different mathematical probability formula. Considerably different. Thats why its getting play and thats why our captain Vinny is denying daily.

[coach bill]

Right on, Hockey Chic! You definietly have the right attitude. This team is far from out of it. Tues night (52 SOG) showed that. Plus a great goalie can always turn a game or team around. Anyone remember Andy Moog with the Bruins?

Boyle, Richards, Tortorella, Melrose, all had some snarly remark on the way out the door. A whole bunch more sent packing didn't, at least not that "the media" reported.

Loved the quote above about "journalistic integrity". Remember when that was the expected norm? Does it even exist anywhere outside of Damian Cristodero's sports page?

[Tom]

TJ: Everything you say is true, but just consider this:

Vinny is a spoiled little brat who has the capacity and desire to be on top of ALL situations, after all his playing time is dwindling career-wise and if he loses in any battle with a coach or the team he loses big time.

[olin]

...forget about it, move on, is waste of time and talk.

[Hockey Chic]

PD,

I really hate to admit it, but I agree with you with regard to a book being written by the mullett. I have said from the beginning that this was a PR move. Maybe it was a drunken beer bet, but I never gave him credence.

Specifically with regard to calling out his top guys. Dumb move all the way around. Melrose never ever gave the Bolts, MSL, V4, Habby or any of the guys that were in the cup win kudos for winning the cup.

So off you go MR.Melrose. Please go and see if someone at ESPN will listen to your drivel.

Maybe HNIC will put your and Al Strachan and call it, "The hockey idiots."

I think it says a lot for the character of the guys to put up with the new coach/TV anchor as long as they did and now lets move forward.

I like what I see so far in Tochhet. There was some of that revealed during the little bit of training camp the fans were able to see.

DC please put this to bed as no body cares who said what, who wanted him gone, who is or is not with the move to rid the room of the man. It is over. enuff said.

Lets go out there and skate and skate hard, crash the net, shoot and shoot often, forecheck, back check and move those dudes out of the crease.

I saw a lot of heart and determination the other night and you just came up a little short. You guys can do it. Kick some predators butt and lets have a win in our column after Friday night.

Go Bolts!!!

[shock therapy]

How sad is it that with all the excitement of change from our dismal last season we are still talking about the topics of melrose and whose said what to who?

Let's move forward and talk hockey performance and upcoming games and strategies, etc.

If we keep up this armchair qb discussion of the past our ghosts might haunt us and we will see strachan as our next coach right off of his days of announcing!

Melrose = bad hire = short term failure = gone

Tochett = interim = short term test = destiny unknown

Bolts = We still love em! = need to gel = bring back the hockey bay excitement to tampa!

PS - did i mention strachan is reporting from anonymous sources that the new third jersey logo may not last until December 15th because the players dont like it? Players are denying they complained to to the management though.

[Amanda]

Mike s-
Seriously? Melrose bashed the bajeebers out of the Bolts all the way up to, and then all the way through, the playoffs of 03-04. It was only after the Cup was the Lightning's the he started, begrudgingly, to change his tune and claim that he'd loved Vinny all along. Selective amnesia there, friend? :)
Larry David-
So Strachan called Melrose getting fired. Even a broken clock is right twice a day...

[puppa]

This team is the beating heart of the whole city. When the team loses the whole city is thrown into despair. those that love Tampa Bay die on the inside. I decided to go for my Doctorate the day Tampa got a team. why not sign good defense? what is this? a joke? am i laughing?

[puppa]

man what a horrible way to go. i should just pick another team. i was fine before Tampa got a franchise. now when they lose i get more and more insane. people laugh at me when i tell them i like Lightning. people i respect more than me. i'll show them

[puppa]

I've been on both sides of the siege of stalingrad. i was on the north tower above the plane. every time on vacation an earthquake or tidal wave happens. But this team is the end of me. I can't go on anymore. This team doesn't win it always loses. i'm a loser but i expect this team to win. goodbye cruel world!

[R U Guys Kiddin?]

Larry David and Kincaid:

Please tell us, do you really believe that Vinny is a liar and that Al Strachan is a truth teller?

[Patrick]

I'll take Lecavalier's word on what he said over Strachan in this case, regardless of what Strachan "nailed" in the past. His unnamed source is probably Barry Melrose.

Even if Lecavalier did go to the owners to get Melrose out of here, he did his team and us fans a favor. I'd credit Lecavalier with good judgement in that case. Melrose was a terrible hire from the beginning. He barely had any credibility as an analyst.

[Joe Clay]

Geografer,
You hit the nail squarely on the head. That's what I've been saying in other venues. It's obvious they didn't like playing for Melrose. Calling out the top players on day 2 is retarded. What reason would they have to play for him?

[Joe Clay]

Hey Larry David and Kincaid,
We were talking about Melrose getting fired for the past few weeks. I don't know what you guys where thinking, but here in Tampa, we were all betting on when it would happen. We all assumed that it would be before Christmas, but weren't sure how far before. Anyway, Melrose getting fired didn't come out of the blue.

Also, the truth came out and the liars have been flushed out. Vinny is an honorable man, he has no reason to lie, and he hasn't.

[Craig]

The Lightning have become the Brangelina of the NHL. Seriously, has a mediocre team ever garnered as much attention as the Lightning have this season?

I swear there's somekind of marketing genius behind all of these moves and rumors...

[Geografer]

I don't think Vinny would do this. You can see from several pictures that have come out of Vinny on the bench that he was not happy with Melrose but I don't think Vinny would lie about it. I love the fact that Melrose thinks this is all because the players didn't want someone that was in their face and that he wouldn't sit around singing Kumbaya with them. This just goes to show that Melrose had no clue what went on with this team under Torts. I don't think Melrose could approach the level Torts did here. The difference is that Torts had the respect of his players - Melrose did not. You can't come in brand new, not have the trust of your team yet and then call the out in the press 2 games into the year. Melrose had no respect from the players because he was incompetent and was quick to throw them under the bus. Just let this go. Melrose needed to go - no matter who did or didn't go to the owners about it. Continuing to talk about it just gives the moron more of the attention he so desperately wants and needs.

In other news - TSN is reporting that St. Louis has waived Koci. Could he be on his way back or is that out the window now that Mulletman is gone?

The truth will out, people don't just make crap like that up.
There is a good book waiting to be written.

Posted by: PD | November 19, 2008 at 08:56 PM

A book about what PD? The fact a bad coach got fired? Gotta be a million seller for sure. Where the he!! is your head dude? I think you need a job or a hobby to consume your idle time.

I don't care who said what. The time had come. Melrose shouldn't have been hired in the first place but you try to make this a major issue? I'm not impressed with your IQ. Nor am I impressed with your knowledge of hockey. You don't have any. To tell you the truth I'm embarassed to even offer any response to your idioc statement. For that reason I'll remain unsigned. However, if you choose to attend the next bloggers bash I'll be glad to meet you.

It's past time to be talking about this. I'll now leave the rest of the conversation to those who have nothing more in their lives than to discuss the possible "sky is falling" theories. None of which are important. That's what morons do.

Oh by the way, I think Strachan rules!!! His IQ is that of a worm. Similar to a few who post here. Toss a few thousand wild ideas around and you can claim one or two "hits" on your resume. Doesn't matter you were wrong the other 99% of the time. Hard to believe any sane person believes him.

PD - please let us all know when that movie is comming out. Sounds like a can't miss.

I'm tired of all this, I'm sure Vinny is way over it too. However Strachan said in FEB that Torts was out and Melrose would be in. Strachan has been saying all season there were problems with Melrose. Its obviuos one of the owners is feeding Strachan this stuff. Maybe the NOT-OK-HOCKEY group needs to learn keep thier mouth shut to keep the ongoing distractions away from the team. I'm sure they are sick off all this too.!!!

[adam]

"As reported by Al Strachan" is an immediate discredit to any published report. The man strays as far away from journalisitic intregity as any man could. He has no principles, no integrity and no morals. He is a festering scab on that network. So...he predicted Melrose getting fired....wow..he went way out on a limb on that one.

[TJ]

Let's see. Who are we supposed to believe in this mess? An accomplished NHL player who has put his blood, sweat and tears (and heart) into this franchise since his day 1 in the league or a “Johnny come lately” that hasn't been behind an NHL bench in, what, oh, 12 years or so? Hmmm. No contest. Until someone can come up with some kind of evidence to the contrary, I'm gonna put my money on VL4. Although I'm sure if he HAD gone to Lawton or Koules or any other management and said something that it could happen, this is not VL4's style. Strachan is a joke. Plain and simple. And for those saying he called it right, hey, even a blind squirrel finds a nut every once in a while. It just seems that this guy has had it out for the Bolts for a while now. And even if some of the players did go to management, I would venture to say they were right and there needed to be a change. No wins under Tocchet (YET) but if the game against the stinkin' Panthers is an indication, maybe they are headed in the right direction now. Just my opinion.

Let's move on and GO BOLTS!

[Kincaid]

Great points hockeytalkie and????
They replace him with someone thats never been a head coach before.
Where's the punch line

[Boltflasher]

all of this....so what?

[hockeytalkie]

i put this in the other post as well:

Melrose, the jerry glanville of the NHL
-what a joke-
1992-3 39-35-10 88pts 3rd place

1993-4 27-45-12 66pts 5th place
1994-5 13-21-7 33pts 4th place

2008-9 5-7-4 14pts 3rd place

Career
225 games 84-108-29-4 .447 win percentage

he's only coached 2 full seasons in the NHL. tell me again why he was hired? he can blame a mutiny all he wants, but his coaching record speaks for itself.

nothing but an Azz Clown hired by Azz Clowns!

[Kincaid]

No kidding not to mention he called Melrose being hired in the 1st place and was laughed off the planet for it here and everywhere.

HNIC doesnt suffer fools

he also called the OK sale with Palace miles ahead of the crowd.

Typical response from the Bolt mancrushers though.

A lot of liars are going to be flushed out.

[Larry David]

You guys are 100% wrong about Strachan with respect to this case.

It's absolutely amazing that nobody cares to comment and acknowledge that Strachan made the call WEEKS ago on HNIC. He said "the over / under on Melrose being fired was Nov 15"

Maybe he's a clown but he NAILED this.

[PD]

The truth will out, people don't just make crap like that up.
There is a good book waiting to be written.

[Steve from New Jersey]

I watch the Hotstove every week on Hockey Night in Canada and Strachan is a complete idiot. He's there to stir it up and make up stories. He's never had anything nice to say about the Lightning or any of the southern teams for that matter. Regardless, Vinny doesn't care, we don't care. Its just another guy in the media looking for attention to get his name out there.

[The Voice of the Turtle]

I do not believe that there is any insincerity to be found in Vincent Lecavalier's history or in his nature. Al Strachan makes a living by calling attention to himself and, judging by the reaction to his comments by the players and journalists on Canada's Saturday Night Hockey, he has all the credibility of a court jester. He is used primarily for comic relief.

One would like to believe that further evidence of Vinny's noncompliance in the Melrose issue could be found in the comments by Oren Koules, but the owners of this team have already demonstrated disturbing credibility gaps from their actions and their stream of fallacious statements.

There will always be people who will be prepared to believe titillating bald-faced lies, and there will always be others who will somehow benefit from telling them. If the latter was not so, half the sportswriters in Toronto would be out of work.

#4's word remains unimpeachable. Al Strachan continues to be a hockey clown.