Barry Melrose out as Coach of the Lightning

Tampa, FL

The Tampa Bay Lightning announced today that Barry Melrose had been relieved of his duties as head coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning. This comes as kind of a shocking move, as the season was only 16 games in. Now the question comes: Was this the right move by the Lightning?

I don't think this was the correct move at this time. This new ownership group did not give Barry enough time to get his system working. When you bring in a new coach, especially one who hasn't coached in the league in more than a decade, you have to give him time.

Not only that, but the ownership group completely blew up last year's team. They went out and signed free agent after free agent who would take their money. Hockey is a sport where chemistry is key. You need to know where everybody is on the ice, and where they'll be if the puck goes a certain way.

Personally the men on this team just hadn't come together yet, and I think it was due to lack of time together. Melrose had a concept, and just needed more time.

The Lightning have lost eleven games this year including overtime losses, but seven of those games were one goal games. This shows that the team was competitive in most games. A little more time, and you probably start turning those losses into wins.

Now you promote Rick Tocchet to head coach. I think this could be a good move. Tocchet will bring a hard nose style to the Lightning, and hopefully will light a fire in this team.

The main thing that needs to be changed is the offense for the Lightning. This team is averaging the fewest goals in the league, and yet with all their off-season acquisitions they were supposed to be known for their offense.

I think Tocchet is going to be in their faces, and have these boys playing hard.

If Tocchet can bring more grit and if that translates to more wins, I could see him coaching here for a long time. If not, keep an eye on Pat Quinn, Bob Hartley, and even Pat Burns as potential replacements.