Tampa Bay Dumping Tortorella For Melrose?
I have to say it - John Tortorella is my least favorite coach in the league. I think he’s a bully and if I may be completely frank, he’s a total jackass. I hate what he considers motivation, I hate how he talks about underperforming players after games, I hate his hissy fits and I hate his greasy hair. Do I think he has had success? Yes. However, while I may concede that my opinion may not be shared by others, the only thing I find good about him is how entertaining his public meltdowns can be.
Well, I’m happy to report that the Tampa Bay Lightning may have finally tired of his little tirades and could be replacing him Barry Melrose. Melrose hasn’t coached in the NHL in 13 years but he is probably best known as being the coach that directed Wayne Gretzky and long-shot team, the Los Angeles Kings, to the 1993 Stanley Cup Finals (they lost to the Montreal Canadiens). I have to admit that I’m a bit young to have really appreciated Melrose in his coaching years, but I’ve grown to really enjoy his commentary on ESPN’s Melrose Line segments.
Apparently, the Toronto Star has reported that, when Oren Koules takes over as the Bolts owner on June 18th, he will be looking at the situation more closely since Tortorella is down to the final year of his contract. Rumor has it that Koules is prepared to offer Melrose $2 million per season to leave television and resume coaching. My first question was about whether Melrose would want to leave his desk job and head back to the ice. I guess I have an answer to that: “This is no different than any of the last 10 years,” Melrose said. “I’ve been contacted by a handful of clubs every year. … My desire to coach again has never been a secret, but I love what I do.”
These stories always have to have a little drama - of course, Tortorella wants to stay on as the coach of the Lightning. Should be interesting to see what happens. My only concern, at this point, is whether Melrose still has it in him to coach after more than a decade.
Related Stories
POSTED IN: Fan Fare, News, Signings and Contracts, Tampa Bay Lightning
1 opinion for Tampa Bay Dumping Tortorella For Melrose?
Barry Melrose to Be Named Tampa Coach
Jun 23, 2008 at 10:45 pm
[…] to be true! I’ve been a big fan of the Melrose Line on ESPN and, even though it’s been a while since he was behind the bench, the man still knows what he’s talking about and I think a […]
Have an opinion? Leave a comment: