Barry Melrose fired

[StaticWithABeat 0]

Tampa is the most impatient organization of all time

I don't know if they have the Islanders beat yet, but they're definitely making it interesting.

[The Mule 0]

Thankfully, I don't get ESPN. I live in Canada, and TSN is all I need.

[RedArmy 4]

that was a bit quick. They could have given him 10 more games at least... maybe there was internal conflict as well... I don't think they gave him a fair chance to suceed

[YoungGuns1340 1]

Well, at least the Tampa management is willing to admit their mistake. I always liked Tortorella to be honest, I think they should have kept him.

I agree. He reminded me a lot of Babcock. Not quite sure why they got rid of him and then thought Melrose would be an upgrade.

[Doggy 130]

Wow the thought crossed my mind last night after the Wings won that Melrose might get the hook. What sweet revenge for the Wings after this guy has been bashing the Wings for so many years. Yes, there is a God.

This week he said we were the benchmark of the league, by far the best run organisation in the NHL and probably top 5 sports organisations in the world in all sports.

What a jerk!

[gcom007 1,465]

And the biggest plot twist of the year goes to...

Definitely not Tampa Bay...

Shocking?

Hell no.

Surprised it took this long.

He's a depressing human being.

He should work on that now that he has some time on his hands.

[Louisville 112]

Tampa's owners are ridiculous. It's funny how many people see why they have problems except for the people running the team.

[HOCKEY MATTERS 167]

wow... happened quicker than I thought. But then again... these new owners don't wanna let anything settle. They are running this team like if LGW had control of a team.

QFT

[Uncle Danny 155]

And THAT's the logic behind firing him? Yeah, five wins in 16 games isn't exactly going to get you the Adams, but did people really expect the Ning to make the playoffs this year? How many seasoned coaches will be lining up at their door after this? So they turn to Toccet who probably hasn't gambled in, what, months now. Craziness.

I, for one, wouldn't mind at all seeing him back on ESPN.

Agreed 100%

Ridiculous knee-jerk by new ownership.

[Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204]

Barrys coaching wasnt the problem in Tampa. Underacheiving was. Tocchet, as much as I love the guy, will just make the Bolts tougher to play against, not any better. If Vrbata, Lecavalier, Malone, St Louis and Prospal get going, this will be a different team, but I still dont see them as much of a threat with their weak backend.

[Glubki 17]

During last night's game they interviewed St. Louis during the intermission. He was asked about playing for Melrose and his body language and demeanor told a different story than his words.

I'm not a Melrose fan but I sort of feel sorry for him. He should have done a 1-2 year stint in the ahl before returning to the big leagues after such a prolonged absence. Tampa doesn't have a clue....

[lfd250 1]

HAHA some of you guys are right. Seems like the owner is listening to the fan boards.

[puckloo39 5,686]

well, that was... hasty.

Advice to Tocchet: do not bet on (or against) your team.

[isbister 0]

Haaaaaaaaaaa

[betterREDthandead 58]

And THAT's the logic behind firing him? Yeah, five wins in 16 games isn't exactly going to get you the Adams, but did people really expect the Ning to make the playoffs this year? How many seasoned coaches will be lining up at their door after this? So they turn to Toccet who probably hasn't gambled in, what, months now. Craziness.

I, for one, wouldn't mind at all seeing him back on ESPN.

+1

That is not how you convince quality coaches to take on the very difficult task of dragging the team out of the muck. Tampa's officially been established as a clown-show organization.

They are running this team like if LGW had control of a team.

:rotflmao:

It's funny 'cause it's true.

[Bannedforlife 403]

That is not how you convince quality coaches to take on the very difficult task of dragging the team out of the muck. Tampa's officially been established as a clown-show organization.

Sucks for Vinny. He's now the clown-show captain for life...

[zata40 3]

first burke now this!

hilarious!!!

[Shockwave180 0]

Absolute joke of a sequence by Lightning management. Hire a guy who's been out of the game for well over a decade, then fire him after 16 games. 16!

Ridiculous. Melrose was a strange choice in the first place, but to hire a guy and only give him 16 (!!) games in charge is utter madness. For once, I feel for Barry.

Edited November 14, 2008 by Shockwave180

[GMRwings1983 8,804]

Their record really isn't that bad for this point in the season, but I guess they for some reason expected more out of the season than what they've gotten.

I can't see him getting any other jobs in the future as a head coach.

[haroldsnepsts 4,826]

wow... happened quicker than I thought. But then again... these new owners don't wanna let anything settle. They are running this team like if LGW had control of a team.

Agreed. While I thought hiring Melrose was sort of a suspect move, they gave him a whole 16 games to turn around the worst team in the NHL?

Edited November 15, 2008 by haroldsnepsts

[SetecX 139]

LOL FAIL. How fitting it was the Wings that forced the final hand in his firing. I think foolhardy is the best word to describe the Lightning organization as a whole. Now please stop showing that damn NHL.com commercial with Melrose.....go scout your ass back to ESPN.

[FUUFNF 1]

now the guy is gonna have an even bigger axe to grind against the wings.

[Wings_Toledo 233]

Tampa never should have hired him in the first place. Maybe now Lecavalier will get some ice time...

[Doc Holiday 0]

Tampa never should have hired him in the first place. Maybe now Lecavalier will get some ice time...

You do know he scores more when he has less ice time right?

[Icesurfer 75]

No one knows what went on behind the scenes except for those involved. So maybe there is more to it than just the 16 games that came into the decision..... there usually is anyway. Melrose's personality and coaching style may have clashed with some of the more popular players..... and that wouldn't surprise me one bit. I wondered what was "wrong" with St. Louis and Vincent. The interview with Martin St. Louis I think said it all......