How Much Longer Can John Tortorella Last in Tampa Bay?

Everyone who has followed NHL to any degree has probably heard of John Tortorella. One of the most outspoken figures in hockey sits behind the bench of the Tampa Bay Lightning who have hit a bit of a slump, to say the least.

Following their game with the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday night, Tortorella had some very strong words to tell the press.

“It's probably the most embarrassed and disappointed I've been since I've been here," Tortorella said. "I've never been more embarrassed.”

He was referring to the horrid offensive input by his team in the first two periods of their game. They mustered only seven shots in the first stanza, and played even worse in the second, when they mustered only three shots.

This was the twelfth loss in the last 15 games for the struggling Lightning.

This prompts questions of when the Lightning franchise will be shaken up. Only a few weeks ago rumors were heard all over the league of one of the “Big Three” (Lecavalier, Richards, St. Louis) leaving for another team. However, the front office shot all those rumors down, saying none of those players were leaving.

Now it seems that if they are not willing to let any of their big players go in order to get a strong net-minder (something they are in desperate need of), the front office must be shaken up.

Starting with the man behind the bench.

Tortorella has stood behind the bench of the Lightning since for seven years now. After leading his team to a Stanley Cup against the Calgary Flames in 2004 it appears his time with the Lightning is coming to an end.

In fact, the only thing that Tortorella seems to be doing right these days is providing some good entertainment, although at the expense of league officials and reporters. It was just in November that Tortorella was fined a hefty $10,000 for his comment to an on-ice official following his team’s 4-3 overtime defeat against the Thrashers.

After coming last in the Eastern Conference, and second to last in the league only to the Los Angeles Kings, the fans are screaming for a change. If Tortorella does not step up his team’s play, it’s his head on the line.

Bottom line: If the front office isn’t willing to give up their players, then they must be more than willing to let their coach go.