View Full Version : Tortorella
gphockey
05-07-2008, 08:19 AM
Senators interested in Tortorella.
http://www.thefourthperiod.com/news/ott080430.html
the_narrow_way
05-07-2008, 08:39 AM
That could be good for OTT. Torts would whip those pansies into having some heart and fighting spirit.
Sotnos
05-07-2008, 08:42 AM
Here's the original article (http://www.faceoff.com/hockey/nhlnews/story.html?id=4f36ff0d-ab87-4ed3-962e-661d1dddb5e7), seems he's basing this on Al Strachan's claim that we want Melrose. :rolleyes:
Got his shots in too:
While Tortorella is coaching the United States team at the world championship in Quebec City and Halifax, his flip-flop largely slid under the radar of the hockey world because of the NHL playoffs and buried in Tampa behind the NFL draft and the Tampa Bay Rays' lead over the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox in the American League's East Division.
Can you imagine how big the story would have played out in this country if it involved the coach of a Canadian team?
A big "who cares?" and "want a cookie?" in answer to that question.
Listening to FAN590 this week....
Pierre McGuire was just on and asked about rumors. He mentioned Melrose, to the shock of the host. They asked about Torts, asking isn't he a good coach and McGuire's response, much to the chagrin of the Times/Trib blog commenters no doubt, laughed and said, "Oh, he won't be unemployed long."
He then emphasized he's just repeating the rumor, nothing more.
TexasBolt
05-23-2008, 02:50 PM
That could be good for OTT. Torts would whip those pansies into having some heart and fighting spirit.
Agree. It's probably the best fit for him that's left on the board.
matt24
05-28-2008, 01:30 PM
Listening to FAN590 this week....
Pierre McGuire was just on and asked about rumors. He mentioned Melrose, to the shock of the host. They asked about Torts, asking isn't he a good coach and McGuire's response, much to the chagrin of the Times/Trib blog commenters no doubt, laughed and said, "Oh, he won't be unemployed long."
He then emphasized he's just repeating the rumor, nothing more.
I dont think anyone who comments on those blogs thinks Torts is a "BAD" coach, they, IMO just think it's time to for him to go. They may say things about him but it's more out of frustration for one-and-done 2 years in a row followed up by the worst record in hockey, all after winning the Cup. Expectations are expectations and Tortorella hasn't lived up to his end of the bargin.(Not that ownership or the GM has) But the situation is what it is and it is the coaches job to coach the players he has, not complain about it after the fact.
It's people's opinion, you know that thing that sets our country apart from others. If that is what season ticket holders and fans who live in Tampa believe then what's the big deal?
Where do you pick up FAN590 at?
Sotnos
05-28-2008, 02:00 PM
It's people's opinion, you know that thing that sets our country apart from others. If that is what season ticket holders and fans who live in Tampa believe then what's the big deal?Yeah, they're opinions, and we all have them. Heck we're even entitled to say we disagree, aren't we? :noidea:
Who says those posters speak for the majority? They sure don't speak for me.
Where you live & how much money you spend on the team doesn't make one's opinion any more or less valid, btw.
And thus sparks the old opinion rule/conversation...
Yes, opinions make America great... yes, everyone is entitled to them... but c'mon. Some individuals are more informed or can grasp something better than others. And judging from how the responses are given, you can get a fairly good idea of the credibility behind it.
Therefore, if the comment-makers made their comments like you did above, it's understandable, even if I don't agree with it. It's the "TORTS SUCKS! GET A REAL COACH!!!" ones that tend to make some roll their eyes.
fan590.com - listen live.
Not much hockey talk today... though I did laugh at the host making a case for Damon Allen of CFL fame to be included in Canton. A caller called the CFL inferior and the host freaked out and said it wasn't INFERIOR, it was DIFFERENT. Right. Seeing that anyone in the CFL is lucky to be 3rd string in the NFL... I think that case is shut. At least Warren Moon made his mark in the NFL for a long period of time. I don't think you're going to see Pavel Brendl in the HHOF in Toronto if he continues to tear it up in Sweden.
matt24
05-28-2008, 02:41 PM
Yeah, they're opinions, and we all have them. Heck we're even entitled to say we disagree, aren't we? :noidea:
Who says those posters speak for the majority? They sure don't speak for me.
Where you live & how much money you spend on the team doesn't make one's opinion any more or less valid, btw.
Wow, you took way too much out of that. I said people who live in Tampa( and season ticket holders), bc I figured they would be the majority who would comment on the Tampa Tribune and St. Pete Times blogs, to which that guy referred to. I am of course assuming most receive one or the other of the papers and would check out the online stuff as well.
Did I say the posters speak for the majority? I said "they" because I was referring to to the posters who were against Tortorella, for whom that guy(Chad) was talking about, not the majority
If you want to interpret what I said that way, it's your opinion, but I by no means, was implying anything near what you think I was.
matt24
05-28-2008, 02:45 PM
And thus sparks the old opinion rule/conversation...
Yes, opinions make America great... yes, everyone is entitled to them... but c'mon. Some individuals are more informed or can grasp something better than others. And judging from how the responses are given, you can get a fairly good idea of the credibility behind it.
Therefore, if the comment-makers made their comments like you did above, it's understandable, even if I don't agree with it. It's the "TORTS SUCKS! GET A REAL COACH!!!" ones that tend to make some roll their eyes.
fan590.com - listen live.
Not much hockey talk today... though I did laugh at the host making a case for Damon Allen of CFL fame to be included in Canton. A caller called the CFL inferior and the host freaked out and said it wasn't INFERIOR, it was DIFFERENT. Right. Seeing that anyone in the CFL is lucky to be 3rd string in the NFL... I think that case is shut. At least Warren Moon made his mark in the NFL for a long period of time. I don't think you're going to see Pavel Brendl in the HHOF in Toronto if he continues to tear it up in Sweden.
Thanks for the link... I totally agree the posters who write the childish things are extremely annoying.
matt24
05-28-2008, 03:08 PM
Caught this searching for Bolt news this morning. Interesting to say the least.
http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Hockey/NHL/Ottawa/2008/05/27/5679391-sun.html
"The Senators are going to keep an eye on what happens in Tampa Bay with John Tortorella. Talk won't go away that former Kings coach Barry Melrose is going to sign a three-year, $6-million contract with the Bolts once Hollywood producer Oren Koules officially takes ownership. If he gets dumped, Tortorella would be a good fit here if the Senators can find an assistant who is able to play the role of good cop. Dineen or ex-Senators captain Randy Cunneyworth could get consideration for that kind of role."
This is the first rumor of Melrose(that I have seen) that had actual contract numbers, plus it lists a possible assistant if Torts were to get the Sen's job.
You know... I thought this was just a joke getting too much play at first, but now that details/numbers are being thrown around... usually that means there's more truth than not.
I saw Melrose and Levy on SportsCenter while in a restaurant today and lost my appetite. At least a little.
WaiverWire
05-28-2008, 04:15 PM
Doesn't Melrose have his name brought up about this time every year when there is a team looking for a coach?
I know he did a few years ago, but I don't remember him being mentioned in the last couple years.
ESPN made a big deal about him staying and he said how perfect he had it with the ESPN gig. I think that was before VS took over.
jdhebner
05-28-2008, 04:43 PM
Sorry, and nothing personal Mr. Garrioch, but I don't believe a word of this article.
PEIBolt
05-28-2008, 05:10 PM
While we're throwing 'out-there' rumours around, Eklund says he's following a deal to move Lecavalier.
Spector touched on it and didn't exactly dismiss it outright.
Boy, does this thing with Koules need to get done, once and for all!!
Sotnos
05-29-2008, 08:31 AM
You know... I thought this was just a joke getting too much play at first, but now that details/numbers are being thrown around... usually that means there's more truth than not.But it's Garrioch :noidea:
I had thoughts about how much NHL coaches make, I guess I was way off because that seems really high to me.
While we're throwing 'out-there' rumours around, Eklund says he's following a deal to move Lecavalier.
Spector touched on it and didn't exactly dismiss it outright.
Boy, does this thing with Koules need to get done, once and for all!!
I guess Eklund's run out of material so he's dragging out that dead horse. :D
CupChamps2004
05-29-2008, 08:35 AM
I had thoughts about how much NHL coaches make, I guess I was way off because that seems really high to me.
Thought Torts was one of the highest paid and he makes around $1M?
Sotnos
05-29-2008, 08:39 AM
Thought Torts was one of the highest paid and he makes around $1M?
That's the # that's sticking in my head. That $2 mil sounds crazy to me.
PEIBolt
05-29-2008, 10:54 AM
From what I understand, this Tortorella stuff may have a grain of truth to it.
WaiverWire
05-29-2008, 12:37 PM
From what I understand, this Tortorella stuff may have a grain of truth to it.
I think it does also and here is why. Tort's is the type of coach that plays the players who he wants to play and when he wants to play them. He seems to care less about who the players are that the GM provides as if he does not like their play, they sit. Now there is nothing wrong with this but sometimes the players sit and sit and sit. OK is going to be a hands on owner and if he goes out and gets a player I expect that he will want to have that player be given a legitimate shot, something that Tort's has not done at times. Thus I look for Tort's to be gone some after the deal is done.
timothy
05-29-2008, 01:38 PM
From what I understand, this Tortorella stuff may have a grain of truth to it.
I don't think he is part of Koules' plans, since Koules himself helped broker the R2 deal complete with promises on how he would be used in the lineup. Torts is a dead man walking.
PEIBolt
05-29-2008, 01:47 PM
OK wants its own people running things, which isn't unusual. No different than a coach getting canned when a new GM comes in.
Torts won't be unemployed long, if this is all true.
Question is.....what becomes of Feaster??
Sotnos
05-29-2008, 01:57 PM
From what I understand, this Tortorella stuff may have a grain of truth to it.
Torts getting canned I can certainly buy. It's the stuff about Melrose that smells like BS to me, esp. with how many more experienced unemployed coaches are hanging around right now.
As with all this sales stuff, I think some of you all need to be careful what you wish for & I've been saying that for months, but that's just my opinion.
Bolthed
05-29-2008, 03:58 PM
Question is.....what becomes of Feaster??
:tape:
Netminder
05-29-2008, 04:08 PM
Koules, Barrie and Melrose,,,,,:doh: Who said it is hard to lose to a Set:ohmy:
Torts will take a year off and let Hollywood Pay him,so will Feaster.
No Worries People,,,,,OK. has Plenty of Money,,,,,,RIGHT?,,,Right?:noidea:
Mulett Melrose:roflmao::violin::violin:
WaiverWire
05-29-2008, 04:59 PM
Campbell will be gone and if Tort's leaves I would reassign Feaster as the teams contract attorney. That is what he first was and it is an area he is not bad at.
Even if Tort's does not go that is what I would do with Feaster in order to get him out of the player development stage. You also are not eating a contract.
Netminder
05-29-2008, 05:30 PM
Let me get this,, Koules wants to dump Richards and Boyle,Does Richards,and Torts and Jay argue hard to keep Boyle,thens Over Pays for Danny,the Human Turnover machine, and you think they are keepng their jobs,Jay blow his being a contract guy with that signing.Dont forget that Koules has already been in the R-2 deal,sounds like Owner wearing 2 hats to me.:rolleyes:
Plus why would you keep them when you Got Barrie and Melrose all ready to go.:happydance::noidea:;)
WaiverWire
05-29-2008, 05:36 PM
I am sure that Oren approved Boyles contract as he has had his hand in almost every thing else.
Netminder
05-29-2008, 06:03 PM
I am sure that Oren approved Boyles contract as he has had his hand in almost every thing else.
There was lots of talks about how contentious talks got on trade day,about Boyle and Richards, Hollywood will be the "GM" of this team,just a question of who will be the front guy.
Puckhead
05-29-2008, 06:53 PM
There was lots of talks about how contentious talks got on trade day,about Boyle and Richards, Hollywood will be the "GM" of this team,just a question of who will be the front guy.
Don't blame Koules for Richards departure...There were many of us ( me included) that thought it was time for him to go..Torts was pissed that it 'got out' to the media...but that was a foregone conclusion... His play on the ice dictated he had to go....
Now, on 22, I'm not sure..I don't think any of us really know what went on as far as his $$...I happen to think he's worth every penny of it...and the bottom line is OK either thought the same or was persuaded...
And you know what (BB), if its OK and Melrose, I don't care....let the fun begin.....This team finished DEAD LAST in the league last year!!!!!!!
timothy
05-29-2008, 07:09 PM
There was lots of talks about how contentious talks got on trade day,about Boyle and Richards, Hollywood will be the "GM" of this team,just a question of who will be the front guy.
Actually, I think Len Barrie will be the one acting more as the "GM" of the club. For sure, OK will be hands on, but Barrie is a real hockey guy and seems to be headstrong and knows what he wants. I think he'll be calling the shots. And his "reported" job title/description sounds an awful like Ron Campbell position.
But, I agree, the GM with the title will be a mere front man to the Barrietown Express.
Logic says Melrose shouldn't be a strong candidate ... but... if you think back to last summer and how OK said he wanted to make this team (paraphrasing) more visible/marketable/etc with his hollywood connections/style... hiring one of the most recognizable faces to the casual ESPN watcher/sportsfan falls in line with that.
I don't like it, however, and I was wrong to rip on the writer who called TB the gong show.
As Timothy mentioned... the R2 deal got done because of a phone call by OK (saw that in the Times at the Tampa airport today). Gandler called the call "necessary."
I'm sure Feaster, if he isn't asked out, may want out. It's a whole new philosophy coming in. Entertainment value vs. Meritocracy/tradition
WaiverWire
05-29-2008, 09:47 PM
I read somewhere a week or so ago that Barrie would be the President and Oren the governor.
Netminder
05-30-2008, 05:38 AM
Don't blame Koules for Richards departure...There were many of us ( me included) that thought it was time for him to go..Torts was pissed that it 'got out' to the media...but that was a foregone conclusion... His play on the ice dictated he had to go....
Now, on 22, I'm not sure..I don't think any of us really know what went on as far as his $$...I happen to think he's worth every penny of it...and the bottom line is OK either thought the same or was persuaded...
And you know what (BB), if its OK and Melrose, I don't care....let the fun begin.....This team finished DEAD LAST in the league last year!!!!!!!
#1 The Fan's did not have 1 thing to do with it,for that to be so ,the owners would have to give a damn about what fans think,If you think they DO, you are deluded.
#22, come on, he had the worse +/- in the least # of games( that was what the "Fans" used to judge #19 with).
#22 had to lead NHL in turn-over,for Goals for opponents.
Yes they finished last,,,,and could damn sure do it again,Esp with the incoming Dog and Pony show,,,Melrose for Coach:noidea::rolleyes::noidea:
nhljohnson
05-30-2008, 07:32 AM
I'm sure Feaster, if he isn't asked out, may want out. It's a whole new philosophy coming in. Entertainment value vs. Meritocracy/tradition
Am I the only one not really upset by this purportedly incoming showbiz culture? The NHL has its diehards, but I'm kind of intrigued to see what Koules & Co. have cooked up to compete the entertainment dollars. It's not like he's assuming control of a market impervious to the present economic circumstances this country is enduring.
Maybe he and Barrie won't exactly emulate the meritocratic tradition, but the potentially-former status quo had gone from lauded to lackluster to abysmal.
I understand the concern that the Lightning will turn into a circus, but frankly, I don't give a crap what the Canadian media thinks; Koules has continually stated he wants to win, lock up Vinny, and make money. If he achieves all that with an ESPN blowhard behind the bench and innovative (for the NHL) promotional practices, so be it.
Mighty-Marty Munch cereal? Vinny in a romantic slasher flick w/ Miley Cyrus? Ceaseless promos of and performances by Lukowich's band(s)? How to be Really Big Russian Player of Hockey, for Dummies by Evgeni Aryukhin? A Lightning Girls Gone Wild series? Dancing with the Players? A Steve Stamkos reality show? Electric-blue blazer night w/ Brian Bradley? Whatever. Just win, baby.
You have a great point. It should be interesting... for me though, I just don't want the team to be perceived as a joke.
Buckle up and get ready.
I wonder if the Stamkos site was OK's idea.
nhljohnson
05-30-2008, 07:56 AM
You have a great point. It should be interesting... for me though, I just don't want the team to be perceived as a joke.
Buckle up and get ready.
I wonder if the Stamkos site was OK's idea.
In a way, I wonder if, in a roundabout way, the media/traditionalists who would dimissively mock all this might give this organization a chip on its shoulder again.
I don't know, maybe I kind of like the idea of a Hollywood outsider, Cuban-esque personality ruffling feathers.
WaiverWire
05-30-2008, 08:24 AM
If you look at the history of Barrie and Koules you will see that they do everything as best that they can. I expect no less with their new team.
We should be happy that we are getting a new ownership group that knows something about the game and is successful in their other ventures.
I wonder what Barrie has in mind for the land around the IP?
WaiverWire
05-30-2008, 08:28 AM
Melrose.....my take is that he would not come here as he is going to want more than be just the man behind the bench or be paid a ton of money for leaving ESPN.......and neither is going to happen.
the_narrow_way
05-30-2008, 09:01 AM
Am I the only one not really upset by this purportedly incoming showbiz culture?
I welcome the potential for change. I totally understand and very much respect the tradition established by Torts and Co. with their rewards of loyalty. But, we all saw what has happened.
Good luck Torts, and thanks for the Cup. No matter what else is in the Lightning's past and future, we've always got that. That Cup was won with skill, hard work, and stellar goaltending; the perfect storm. No clutching and grabbing, no diving, no crying. Honor and dignity.
I saw an "article" (Bleacher Report, which was more like a message board post) saying Kerry Fraser was the reason for the Lightning's Cup.
Thanks, Kerry.
Sotnos
05-30-2008, 10:00 AM
I just don't want the team to be perceived as a joke.Me either, and this Melrose stuff has "circus" written all over it, so I really hope it's not true.
That Cup was won with skill, hard work, and stellar goaltending; the perfect storm. No clutching and grabbing, no diving, no crying. Honor and dignity.That softens a lot of blows. Yeah they crashed & burned last season, but at least they won the Cup before they did it. And despite the whining (5 years later) of some pathetic Flamerfans, they did it honestly. We are really very, very lucky.
I saw an "article" (Bleacher Report, which was more like a message board post) saying Kerry Fraser was the reason for the Lightning's Cup.
Thanks, Kerry.
http://www.bleacherreport.com/articles/25267-Open-Mic--Kerry-Fraser-NHL-Senior-Referee-More-like-Senior-Scam We all need a laugh. :D
CTLightning26
05-30-2008, 10:01 AM
Didn't Melrose say on espn that he wanted to stay in his current job or was i dreaming?
Donnie D
05-30-2008, 10:26 AM
There are 2 ways to look at the phone call to R2.
Owners who are going to try and be the hockey experts. Future disaster.
Owners who are trying to support the hockey experts. Excellent
The last place finish happened because of the sale problems. The budget was cut by Palace Sports to make the sale more attractive; Feaster was prevented from spending money when the holes in the team became obvious; Boyle's injury; etc. etc. I have no doubt that it was the external rather than the internal factors that led to a last place finish this year.
So when you say things can't get worse - you are wrong. There was a great deal of difference between this years last place finish and the ones before Palace Sports took over. I don't want to return to those years.
There is another possibility (remote yes) that Feaster wanted to sign R2 but it took the new ownership to come in and finish the negotiations (salary, clarifying the new role) that was supportive of Feaster and Torts. Ok, fantasy, but that's the proper role for ownership. One we can hope that they fulfill.
Bolthed
05-30-2008, 10:26 AM
I won't give this Melrose horseshit one ounce of consideration until the rumors start to take shape OFF of the Eklund/Garrioch playing field. Those guys have a track record for baseless claims for the sole intention of keeping themselves employed.
Besides, Melrose is a joke ... and he would make any franchise he coaches one, too.
Donnie D
05-30-2008, 10:27 AM
Besides, Melrose is a joke ... and he would make any franchise he coaches one, too.
1000% in agreement.
timothy
05-30-2008, 10:46 AM
There is another possibility (remote yes) that Feaster wanted to sign R2 but it took the new ownership to come in and finish the negotiations (salary, clarifying the new role) that was supportive of Feaster and Torts. Ok, fantasy, but that's the proper role for ownership. One we can hope that they fulfill.
I can see where Feaster would want to resign R2. Feaster has a long history with R2 in that he "discovered" R2 while scouting back when he was Dudley's AGM. Story goes that Feaster lobbied hard for Dudley to draft R2, but knowing Dudley's penchant for big, fast Russians, I don't imagine it was a hard sale.
Nevertheless, R2 has always been Feaster's "project".
The whole kink in the resigning R2 saga from the Gandler-R2 camp is what would Tortorella do with R2 if he shows up to camp with a one-way contract in hand? And that's where Koules came in... "I'm going to be the new owner of the team, and this is how R2 will be used in the lineup..."
Let the chips fall where they may between Koules and Tortorella. And if you haven't noticed, lately Feaster isn't publicly covering Torts back...
CTLightning26
05-30-2008, 01:14 PM
I won't give this Melrose horseshit one ounce of consideration until the rumors start to take shape OFF of the Eklund/Garrioch playing field. Those guys have a track record for baseless claims for the sole intention of keeping themselves employed.
Besides, Melrose is a joke ... and he would make any franchise he coaches one, too.
I don't think he's a joke. He certainly wouldn't be my choice, but he did a decent job in Kingland. I just can't imagine he'd like to leave his cushy job at espn....
The reason he was let go in LA by the way is he was perceived to backstab GM Dave Taylor... He was sort of blackballed for that, somewhat like Nolan was. Fair? I dunno. Who knows? Coulda been Taylor's fault like it was that freak Muckler's fault with Nolan...
Sotnos
05-30-2008, 01:47 PM
I don't think he's a joke. He certainly wouldn't be my choice, but he did a decent job in Kingland. I just can't imagine he'd like to leave his cushy job at espn....
The reason he was let go in LA by the way is he was perceived to backstab GM Dave Taylor... He was sort of blackballed for that, somewhat like Nolan was. Fair? I dunno. Who knows? Coulda been Taylor's fault like it was that freak Muckler's fault with Nolan...
He only got that team into the playoffs once, and I'd say his firing had more to do with his record after that than any backroom problems. Please see his coaching record (http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php3?pid%5B%5D=3669).
This rumor is on TSN now (http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=239261), citing the Toronto Star. Haven't looked that up to see if they're just rehashing stuff from the usual windbags or not. The very rumor of this is making this team look like a joke, IMO. Hate to see it come to pass. :rolleyes:
bassassin
05-30-2008, 01:48 PM
Its not official bye Torts welcome Melrose according to TSN :mad:
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=239261&lid=sublink01&lpos=headlines_main
Sotnos
05-30-2008, 01:51 PM
It's NOT official, might want to edit your post.
I merged this into the existing Torts thread since it's already being discussed.
bassassin
05-30-2008, 01:53 PM
Fair enough edited and yep I still think these rumours are too many to have no truth to them, no smoke without fire and all that...
Sotnos
05-30-2008, 01:56 PM
Fair enough edited and yep I still think these rumours are too many to have no truth to them, no smoke without fire and all that...
Not if they're all based off something Al Strachan said. I haven't seen a source that doesn't point back to him yet. Strachan's track record when it comes to our team sucks, to put it bluntly, and it ain't a whole lot better with other teams.
bassassin
05-30-2008, 01:59 PM
Not if they're all based off something Al Strachan said. I haven't seen a source that doesn't point back to him yet. Strachan's track record when it comes to our team sucks, to put it bluntly, and it ain't a whole lot better with other teams.
Fair point, I hadnt looked at it like that.
RSchmitz
05-30-2008, 02:11 PM
lame...
I mentioned "perception of the Lightning" previously and judging from the comments in the TSN article.... it's going to nosedive again.
Speaking again of perception (which does not equal reality, I know), the commentors, who have bemoaned Torts in the past for the way he treats his goalies and spouts off... are suddenly treating Torts as the hottest coaching commodity and well-loved.
aapbolt
05-30-2008, 03:20 PM
I have my disagreements with Torts but he is still a good coach, he just needs to use all his players, and roll his lines to keep his best players fresh for when we need them. That said, I have a real problem with this Melrose thing. First of all maybe this is just being floated by melrose himself because he wants a job and is doing nothing with ESPN and maybe his contract is up with them?? Anyone know about his contract at this point. Second, I have a hard time thinking that a new owner would be stupid enough to do this in the press with a coach who is respected by the hockey community in this area. Oren cannot be so stupid as to think he needs to "sell" hockey to an area with as many sell-outs as we have had from the CUP year to through the lockout year and beyond. If he thinks hockey is not HOT here then he needs to move to Canada where theat stupid thought is held by many, which may also be why that rumor is floating about. Evidently a list came out on those franchises in trouble financially and Atlanta and Florida are on it along with ST. Louis- the Bolts did not make the list, so maybe our friends to the north simply do not understand geography, maybe they are really talking about the panturds and just don't understand that there is a very good hockey club in Tampa. the whole thing sounds very bogus and I hope I am right, because I doubt that melrose can lead this team if he comes into the job in this manner.
Sotnos
05-30-2008, 03:22 PM
Speaking again of perception (which does not equal reality, I know), the commentors, who have bemoaned Torts in the past for the way he treats his goalies and spouts off... is suddenly the hottest coaching commodity and well-loved.
Yeah now that they think he's a possibility for Ottawa (would just about kill me) or Toronto, he's suddenly the best thing since sliced bread. Funny how that works :rolleyes:
Donnie D
05-30-2008, 03:23 PM
Thank God I didn't renew my season tickets.
Maverick9911
05-30-2008, 04:35 PM
So does Darren Pang replace Reese?
:noidea:
CTLightning26
05-30-2008, 04:37 PM
He only got that team into the playoffs once, and I'd say his firing had more to do with his record after that than any backroom problems. Please see his coaching record (http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php3?pid%5B%5D=3669).
:
Yep, thought his record was better. But Helene Elliott did say he was being blackballed for backstabbing Taylor..
Dineen, Dineen, Dineen!!!!
CTLightning26
05-30-2008, 04:38 PM
So does Darren Pang replace Reese?
:noidea:
the panger!!!
CTLightning26
05-30-2008, 04:39 PM
John Buccigras replaces TK
Linda Cohn becomes an ice girl
missK
05-30-2008, 05:57 PM
Just posted at ESPN.com (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=3419417&campaign=rsssrch&source=espn)
Former Los Angeles Kings coach Barry Melrose brushed aside a rumor he is line to become the next head coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning, saying he is enjoying his life as an ESPN analyst. "This is no different than any of the last 10 years," Melrose said in response to a report in the Toronto Star. "I've been contacted by a handful of clubs every year since joining ESPN. My desire to coach again has never been a secret, but I love what I do at ESPN."
Melrose's return to NHL coaching has been speculated upon several times in recent years but, when asked about the report on ESPN's SportsCenter on Friday, Melrose added: "I want to coach again in the NHL. But nothing's going on. Uh, I work for ESPN and I'm very happy working for ESPN."
You know, Melrose has never been much of a fan of the Lightning whenever he's covered them for ESPN, always going out of his way to pick against them. Why would he want to coach the team?
Also as far as the whole "entertainment" ownership/management style, I can't help but think of the mixed fortunes of the Los Angeles Galaxy in MLS under Alexi Lalas lately. Never know, though.. I'd rather they spend that extra million or whatever they seemingly want to throw at someone like Melrose on PLAYERS, though.
TexasBolt
05-31-2008, 12:32 AM
Isn't the Toronto Star like Canada's version of the New York Post? No one takes that paper seriously here, so why would anyone take the Star seriously? It's ridiculous how many reputable news organizations are taking this story and running with it.
jdhebner
05-31-2008, 03:27 AM
It's ridiculous how many reputable news organizations are taking this story and running with it.
You said it. I don't know whether it's laziness, greed or stupidity, or some combination of the three.
Jester47
05-31-2008, 09:25 AM
You said it. I don't know whether it's laziness, greed or stupidity, or some combination of the three.
Yeah, they reported it during the sports portion of the news on channel 8 (NBC) last night....
Sotnos
05-31-2008, 10:43 AM
Headline on the front page of the Trib this morning too. Looking at their site, they seem to be treating this as a done deal. :noidea:
Edit: After looking at the Times & Trib, I'm thoroughly confused. Some of the columnists at each are acting like Torts has been fired already. Incoming ownership firing people through the media? Another black mark in my book.
Netminder
05-31-2008, 11:36 AM
This is just the start:duh: wait till and If this ass clown signs the deal.
There is something about this deal that has NHL moving more slowly,than ever before. If there was not some question,yet to be answered,they could do it with conferance call or fax,Quick.
2 Million for 3 for Mullet:rolleyes::rolleyes:
WaiverWire
05-31-2008, 12:31 PM
Netminder I see the NHL doing the exact opposite. Seems the NHL, er Bettman, is doing everything and anything they can in oder to get this team in Oren's control. The NHL stepped in when the original group had a falling out, and then sided with OK. They have been patient through the money issues and are very supportive of the Davidson financial backing.
One has to remember that Oren and the Lightning were put under a gag order. Just until a few days ago we had no comments from anyone. So my question is if they have not been talking were has the Melrose for coach thing started? Funny how no sources are being named as I really think no one from Oren's camp has talked. So who talked to the Toronto Star? Me thinks no one.
PEIBolt
05-31-2008, 12:47 PM
TSN reporting Torts out, Melrose in......according to the Toronto Star.
And, no, the Star is not considered Canada's NY Post. That's the Toronto Sun.
Sotnos
05-31-2008, 12:51 PM
If you're referring to the article TSN put up yesterday, that's NOT what the article says:
Melrose, who coached the Kings to the 1993 Stanley Cup Final, would replace John Tortorella, who still holds the post.
Or is this late-breaking news on tv or something?
Netminder
05-31-2008, 12:56 PM
Netminder I see the NHL doing the exact opposite. Seems the NHL, er Bettman, is doing everything and anything they can in oder to get this team in Oren's control. The NHL stepped in when the original group had a falling out, and then sided with OK. They have been patient through the money issues and are very supportive of the Davidson financial backing.
One has to remember that Oren and the Lightning were put under a gag order. Just until a few days ago we had no comments from anyone. So my question is if they have not been talking were has the Melrose for coach thing started? Funny how no sources are being named as I really think no one from Oren's camp has talked. So who talked to the Toronto Star? Me thinks no one.
Disagree,if they wanted it as badly as you say,it would have been done,long ago, there is something that NHL don't like,Maybe the unkown investers are a concern. There was reason they put Hollywood on Gag order,a good one.
PEIBolt
05-31-2008, 12:58 PM
Didn't mean to insinuate the announcement was formally made but there's too much noise around this. Looks like Melrose is moving in. Damian Cox, the Star reporter, is no Garrioch or Strachan. Hard to believe Strachan was right all along.
Netminder
05-31-2008, 01:02 PM
Didn't mean to insinuate the announcement was formally made but there's too much noise around this. Looks like Melrose is moving in. Damian Cox, the Star reporter, is no Garrioch or Strachan. Hard to believe Strachan was right all along.
Throw enough crap againist the wall some is bound to stick some times:doh:
What they say about Broke clocks,he is living proof of it.:rolleyes:
WaiverWire
05-31-2008, 01:05 PM
There was reason they put Hollywood on Gag order,a good one.
Do you have the inside as to why?
PEIBolt
05-31-2008, 01:10 PM
Well, one thing seems certain, Tortorella won't be back.
Netminder
05-31-2008, 01:12 PM
Do you have the inside as to why?
Cause he can't help himself,Look at what has gone on with the Gag order,what would it look like,with out one.
WaiverWire
05-31-2008, 01:15 PM
EE is reporting that Tort's is gone.
http://www.tboblogs.com/index.php/sports/comments/thoughts-on-tortorella-and-other-things-relating-to-channelside-dr/
Netminder
05-31-2008, 01:21 PM
EE is reporting that Tort's is gone.
http://www.tboblogs.com/index.php/sports/comments/thoughts-on-tortorella-and-other-things-relating-to-channelside-dr/
He will be BACK Soon to "shove it up to someone's Butt":ohmy:
Sotnos
05-31-2008, 01:35 PM
Hard to believe Strachan was right all along.That's the most surprising, the ultimate in blind squirrels found a nut. I hate that guy and am disgusted that he actually called one for once. Maybe our new owner is loose-lipped for everyone but the fans. :rolleyes:
All I can hope for now is Torts doesn't go to the Sens, because he's exactly what their lazy, obnoxious, heartless team needs.
Netminder
05-31-2008, 01:41 PM
That's the most surprising, the ultimate in blind squirrels found a nut. I hate that guy and am disgusted that he actually called one for once. Maybe our new owner is loose-lipped for everyone but the fans. :rolleyes:
All I can hope for now is Torts doesn't go to the Sens, because he's exactly what their lazy, obnoxious, heartless team needs.
Better there,with the Goalie question's than, some where like Atlanta or Fla.who has pretty decent goalie's.
I had heard the Torts and Murray have a history,and not a good one.:noidea:
Just don't want him in this Div.
PEIBolt
05-31-2008, 01:56 PM
All I can hope for now is Torts doesn't go to the Sens, because he's exactly what their lazy, obnoxious, heartless team needs.
I'd say Ottawa and San Jose are the most likely scenarios. I think my head would explode if I ever saw Spezza lift the Cup. Every day I wake up hoping the little turd gets traded to Sunrise or Atlanta.
bassassin
05-31-2008, 01:59 PM
I can see him going to the Sharks, I mean they have the talent to win or at least go deep, just every year I dont know they just dont. Torts might be the guy to get them there.
I don't see Torts helping the Sens much. The psychology is too entrenched. The players will be allowed to get him fired and fail again. EVERYTHING has been tried there already. Sharks would be more right up Torts' alley.
Netminder
05-31-2008, 02:16 PM
I don't see Torts helping the Sens much. The is too entrenched. .
The psychology of losing was entrenched here way deeper than it is in Ottawa,and he did a pretty fair job turning it around. He gets back to Winning quicker than Mullet and Hollywood,get there.
I don't know.. Sometimes it's easier to turn around a team that's dead last and willing to listen than a team that seems completely content to be an also ran. They clearly still think that there's a lot they're doing right, and they can still hide behind their regular season success..
How many would have bet that Tortorella would get us a cup or even last any longer than Ludzik when he took over?
I'm outraged by the way this has been handled, outraged that Melrose is even being considered a legitimate candidate, and just generally pissed off at Oren Koules, Len Barrie, and whoever else is behind this travesty.
I'm absolutely dumbfounded that, just like the Richards deadline deal, this crap is being played out in the media. It's the most unprofessional, bush league, Mickey Mouse crap I've ever seen, and we've seen some pretty unprofessional, bush league, Mickey Mouse crap in Tampa Bay.
And it's gotta stop. Making a splash in the media doesn't score you any goals or make any saves. It just creates a circus atmosphere and a crapload of unnecessary distractions that most championship franchises simply DON'T put up with.
Netminder
05-31-2008, 04:35 PM
Hollywood, Hollywood,That is the way thing's are done in tinsel town,Show Time is everything,It is all Glitz and Glittler.
You have seen nothing yet, it is just this kind of CRAP that had NHL going so slow on this deal.
Damn It Man Glad they had a Gag order in place.
CupChamps2004
05-31-2008, 04:45 PM
I'm outraged by the way this has been handled, outraged that Melrose is even being considered a legitimate candidate, and just generally pissed off at Oren Koules, Len Barrie, and whoever else is behind this travesty.
I'm absolutely dumbfounded that, just like the Richards deadline deal, this crap is being played out in the media. It's the most unprofessional, bush league, Mickey Mouse crap I've ever seen, and we've seen some pretty unprofessional, bush league, Mickey Mouse crap in Tampa Bay.
And it's gotta stop. Making a splash in the media doesn't score you any goals or make any saves. It just creates a circus atmosphere and a crapload of unnecessary distractions that most championship franchises simply DON'T put up with.
Torts went to media by way of Duemig. Admitted new voice needed in the room. Fired shots at new owner. Unprofessional went around, came around. Wrong all around.
And I hammered Torts when he went to Duemig.
In the end, this isn't even about Torts in my mind. When he went public with hammering Koules over the Richards trade, chances are he was done, and we were getting a new coach.
But there's a right way and a wrong way to handling this, and what Koules and his lackies (and I bet that Barrie is the one who is running off at the mouth to people like Strachan) are doing running this franchise through the media is an absolute frickin' disgrace. It's a joke. It's Mickey Mouse, bush league, unprofessional crap and it's not the way a championship organization is run.
Koules and his people need to be seen but not heard. Sign the freaking checks, provide the freaking resources, and shut the hell up and let the real hockey operations people handle their business unincumbered by the distractions of a media circus. That's how you win games in this league, not by trying to create a media splash by publicly shafting the winningest American born coach in history so you can make a buddy hire of a guy who has a sub-.500 lifetime record and hasn't coached an NHL game in 13 years whose philosophy of having big, slow, grinders will absolutely get this team's rear ends kicked in the new NHL.
This is an outrage, just like the Richards media circus was an outrage. And if you Torts-haters would put aside your enmity for a moment, you'd realize nobody wins in this scenario because the new ownership can't even keep the discipline of their own people. And if you don't have any discipline at the top, how in Hades are you going to have it on the ice?
Jester47
05-31-2008, 05:23 PM
... outraged that Melrose is even being considered a legitimate candidate...
Could be worse, it could be Steve Ludzik
Sotnos
05-31-2008, 06:07 PM
Koules and his people need to be seen but not heard.That apparently isn't going to happen, but I thought an "involved owner" was what the majority wanted.
Could be worse, it could be Steve LudzikGawd :p
Did you all know he has a radio show (might be tv, I forget)? I remember some fan of his show trying to tell me Ludzy is an insider with first rate hockey knowledge and a great coach. As with Mr. Melrose, if he's such a great coach why's he working in the media instead of coaching?
the_narrow_way
05-31-2008, 07:16 PM
/e hands out the downers.
Why all the hand-wringing and freaking out? Just let things happen, and when they do, then get your reactions in. I don't see how getting upset about what are currently rumors is worth the trouble.
aapbolt
05-31-2008, 10:42 PM
Geez narrow way what else do we have to do. I have always thought that no news is good news when it comes to a new owner. Take your time and analyze the situation before you open your mouth. I really do not want a mark cuban, but want an owner who puts a class act together for a management staff and builds a great franchise. The PR stuff is ok as long as the owner does not become the story all the time.
Netminder
05-31-2008, 11:15 PM
Need to ease up on OK ,after all,he when out and hired Mullet to "Introduce" Hockey to Bay Area. Just think what else he has in store for the Team.
:ohmy::ohmy:
CTLightning26
06-01-2008, 07:12 AM
*Couldn't agree more. This is a mess.
*Torts should go to the Sharks. Perfect fit.
*They better take their time with the coaching search. They better interview multiple candidates. If either Kevin Dineen or others with his ability or better don't get interviewed, I will be very upset:mad:
Bolthed
06-01-2008, 12:25 PM
Everyone who could be considered a Lightning "insider" is saying/writing that Melrose is a done deal. :sad:
Netminder
06-01-2008, 12:52 PM
Everyone who could be considered a Lightning "insider" is saying/writing that Melrose is a done deal. :sad:
Yeah,It would be hard to have this much smoke with no fire.:ohmy:
Guess we will Finally get intro in to hockey:duh:
Surprise's the Hell out of me,as all this damn time,I thought that ,thu we had different opinions,we had a pretty fair grasp of Hockey:noidea::noidea:
CTLightning26
06-01-2008, 02:46 PM
I don't understand why Melrose sells tickets. Does anyone?
:noidea:
Winning sells tickets!!!!!!!!!!!
WaiverWire
06-01-2008, 04:09 PM
I don't understand why Melrose sells tickets. Does anyone?
:noidea:
Winning sells tickets!!!!!!!!!!!
Which Koules is about to find out if Melrose can not deliver.
Sotnos
06-01-2008, 04:37 PM
Everyone who could be considered a Lightning "insider" is saying/writing that Melrose is a done deal. :sad:
Such as who?
CupChamps2004
06-01-2008, 05:01 PM
Which Koules is about to find out if Melrose can not deliver.
Wouldn't that be true of any coach that is hired?
CupChamps2004
06-01-2008, 05:02 PM
Such as who?
Guess it's not EE, he says it's *not* a done deal and they are interviewing other people.
WaiverWire
06-01-2008, 05:08 PM
Wouldn't that be true of any coach that is hired?
Yes, but Melrose will cost more than most coaches and require a longer contract just because he would have to be "lured" away from ESPN. Is this something that a new owner can afford when we hear rumors that he intends to be near the bottom of the cap? Would not this extra money be better spent on upgrading the players?
Guess it's not EE, he says it's *not* a done deal and they are interviewing other people.
Finally... something encouraging... but I'm hearing what Bolthed is.
matt24
06-02-2008, 09:31 AM
Need to ease up on OK ,after all,he when out and hired Mullet to "Introduce" Hockey to Bay Area. Just think what else he has in store for the Team.
:ohmy::ohmy:
Did anyone actually hear or see an exact quote on this? This has been blown so far out of proportion its turned into a joke. I'm taking it as the Canadian writer is assuming that would be the reason to hire Melrose, or just plain taking a jab at the Tampa area. (Shocker, a Canadian paper taking cheap shots at FLA teams) Either way, I think we all should give OK the benefit of the doubt. What has he done, really? Had his hand in trading Richards and wanting to trade Boyle? (Some would tend to agree with both of those things) We don't know who leaked what information to whom, but who's to say it wasn't Tortorella (Who ran as fast as he could to that hypocrite Duemig after the season to-here's a shocker-complain about something to take the blame off himself) leaking stuff so the Bolts wouldn't trade Richards or Boyle?
I just find it amazing that over the years it seemed Tampa fans always wanted a hands on owner who would spend money. Putting all the eggs in Feaster and Tortorella's bag obviously wasn't working the last 3 years and the 2 of them having zero accountability didn't help the process. (We can argue all day who really constructed the Stanley Cup team; imo, Dudley with a couple good moves by Feaster) Having owners who cared more about their basketball team and the venue where the Bolts played wasn't working anymore.
I'm not a fan of brining in Melrose like most of you guys, but until it's officially a done deal, going on a Canadian source is a reach.... How many times have they had Vinny traded to Mon.?
WaiverWire
06-02-2008, 09:34 AM
EE, who is realiable, reported in his blog that he made phone calls and found out that yes, Tort's will not be back. He also could not confirm Mullett to Tampa.
Netminder
06-02-2008, 09:38 AM
I just find it amazing that over the years it seemed Tampa fans always wanted a hands on owner who would spend money.
Have been a fan from Day 1,and season ticket holder since they went on sale,I and None of my people have WANTED a hands on owner,Just one who would put up the money,and let People who know what to do, DO IT.
matt24
06-02-2008, 10:20 AM
Have been a fan from Day 1,and season ticket holder since they went on sale,I and None of my people have WANTED a hands on owner,Just one who would put up the money,and let People who know what to do, DO IT.
thanks, now I know what you and "your people" have wanted. There was more to that hands on owner thing than what you quoted. If the coach is going to stress accountablilty, shouldn't the owners hold the coach and GM accountable? Have the current owners done that? I'm not a fan of how Cuban runs his basketball team but at least he's into it and doesn't look at it as an investment only.
Sotnos
06-02-2008, 10:24 AM
What has he done, really? Had his hand in trading Richards and wanting to trade Boyle? (Some would tend to agree with both of those things)
Well, some wouldn't, and some of us don't like how this was carried out. Reportedly Richards was made to feel like the scapegoat for every problem the team had. Feaster said he was told re: Boyle "how about 2 d-men for $3 million each instead?" Does this scream "wow these guys really know what they're doing!" to you? Especially when you need look no further than Kuba to see what a $3 million d-man looks like.
Some of us also have a problem with guys who weren't even close to being the owners at the time having such a huge say in running the team, but that's PS&E's decision.
We don't know who leaked what information to whom, but who's to say it wasn't Tortorella (Who ran as fast as he could to that hypocrite Duemig after the season to-here's a shocker-complain about something to take the blame off himself) leaking stuff so the Bolts wouldn't trade Richards or Boyle?
No idea what particular incident you're referring to here, but what has ever been leaked before we got into this ownership mess? Makes more sense to me that it's a new voice that's talking to the gossip mongers, not an old one.
(We can argue all day who really constructed the Stanley Cup team; imo, Dudley with a couple good moves by Feaster)
Not touching this dead horse, but I think you'd find plenty of people willing to argue with you "all day" about your take on it.
Donnie D
06-02-2008, 10:39 AM
Have been a fan from Day 1,and season ticket holder since they went on sale,I and None of my people have WANTED a hands on owner,Just one who would put up the money,and let People who know what to do, DO IT.
Which is exactly what we got in the Stanley Cup year and the 1st year following the strike when they spent almost to the cap.
I'm certainly not going to revisit the issue about which GM won the cup (but remember Dudley was going to trade Vinny - which eliminates giving Dudley any credit in my opinion). And I'm not going to rehash the merits of Palace Sports.
It is what it is. We have a choice to continue to support the team as it is run by OK sports or not. Right now, I'm taking a wait and see position - but my initial reviews are not positive.
WaiverWire
06-02-2008, 10:55 AM
What I am amazed about is that many want "us" to spend more but fail to say how we get the money. 85% of the players salaries are paid by "us", the ticket buyers. With that said, the only way I can see "us" getting better players by free agency is for "us" to pay out more money in higher ticket prices. Are you willing to do that?
I think that this coming season is going to be very interesting for the Lightning and the NHL. There is no other sports league that relies as heavy on the fan as the NHL. When PS&E came in they held a season ticket holder meeting. During this meeting they said that they wanted to compete for the entertainment dollars that were being spent in the Tampa Area. Well, today a price of a ticket has far exceeded the price of a night out. Now add into the effects of the high gas prices and I have a feeling that we will be seeing far few butts in the seats this year. Now if that is the case then how are those that are still attending the games going to take another price increase? Case in point look no further than your local restaurants on a Friday or Saturday night. Lines, if there are any, seem much shorter to me since gas hit $3.50 a gallon.
During the lock out/strike year the issues were not addressed as far as many fans were concerned. Now the NHL may very well find out that their main support, the fan, can no longer afford to attend a game. It will be up to the players to come forward and agree to reduce the salaries, and if they don't I do look for some teams to pack it in.
matt24
06-02-2008, 10:59 AM
Well, some wouldn't, and some of us don't like how this was carried out. Reportedly Richards was made to feel like the scapegoat for every problem the team had. Feaster said he was told re: Boyle "how about 2 d-men for $3 million each instead?" Does this scream "wow these guys really know what they're doing!" to you? Especially when you need look no further than Kuba to see what a $3 million d-man looks like.
I agree, Richards never should have felt like the scapegoat for Feaster's mess.(That contract was and is a joke and I can't blame Richards for signing a deal like that especailly when he wasn't demanding anything like that)
But, what has having 3 players making 5.5 million plus done for the Bolts since the cap was in place? So Koules thinking was to SPREAD out some of that money? Makes sense to me.
And I totally agree PS&E never should have let Koules have his say, but they did. Had the sale been completed when it was supposed to, none of this would have been an issue. I'm sure when Koules started this he never intended to switch ownership groups and lose financing all within 6 months.
Did someone just say Dudley was the Cup team builder?
:doh:
jaydeedub
06-02-2008, 12:33 PM
Guess it's not EE, he says it's *not* a done deal and they are interviewing other people.
Yep. Just got an email from my pal and she tells me Torts has yet to be fired. Koules hasn't offically taken over yet and such a thing wont happen 'till then. Also says that she hasn't heard of ANYONE from there has actually spoke to Melrose. Says she'll update me if she here's anything different. Oh, and the OK take over looks good to go for the June 18 vote.
So I wonder if this Melrose smoke is coming from the Koules end. If it is it's such junk to do a "friend" hire like that. Here's some sweet Kings' stats while Mulletrose was coach:
1992-93: 39-35-10 (88 pts) 3rd Division
1993-94: 27-45-12 (66 pts) 5th Division
1994-95: 16-23-9 (41 pts) 4th Division (13-21-7 until he got fired, 3-2-2 after he left)
92-93: Lost to the Habs in 5 in the Cup finals
93-94: Did not make playoffs
94-95: Did not make playoffs
And the Kings had made the Playoffs from 1987 to 93. Hmmm....
Now what I'd be really pissed about is if they hire the guy and the Bolts do just get into the playoffs and they'll be calling the guy the savior or that he did it--brought the team up from the very bottom of the basement to the playoffs. Sure, it's have nothing to do with VL4, MSL, Boyler, SS, Ouellet, Smitty, or any of the other incoming UFAs...Because no matter what, this team has no where to go BUT up. And with some solid signings in the off season they'll make the playoffs, easy.
It'll be a crock of shit basically, then the team would most likely suck as again just like the Kings did, unless Koules pours more money into them. Call me :mad:.
Just pray it's not going to be Melrose. Let him coach in Norfolk for 3 years and see how he does...
gphockey
06-02-2008, 01:19 PM
Pat Burns.
http://www.hockey-reference.com/coaches/burnspa99c.html
I just can't believe Melrose would come back to coaching.
Its alot of work, a ton of work and with an organization that has not ponied up the cash to win... why???
Weather?
Coach a few years and retire here?
Got nothin to lose cause its a last place club and ANYTHING better then that he can take credit for?
WaiverWire
06-02-2008, 01:24 PM
I will say it again......Melrose's name has come up several time when their has been openings. I think I remember hearing it in New York, Florida and even Detriot......all to not happen.
jaydeedub
06-02-2008, 02:00 PM
Pat Burns.
http://www.hockey-reference.com/coaches/burnspa99c.html
Cool website. Surprised I don't have that one saved to my favorites. Do now.
Burns certainly has the experience. Quennenville might be another guy. Though his playoff records as a coach isn't as good, though you know the desire has to be there big time.
There sure is a lot more guys better than Melrose. Like WW said though, this kind of smoke has happened every so often and never happens. Shoot maybe ESPN is doing it to either A: get people to watch Mulletrose's 2 minute hockey briefs more, or B: to get rid of the guy. :noidea:
kid A
06-02-2008, 03:02 PM
Although I'd certainly be quite pleased with Burns, how's his health these days? Anyone know? Is he up for the rigors of another head coaching gig? He's got a Scotty Bowman-type gig (scouting/adviser) with the Devils, no? (am I confusing him with Larry Robinson?) Might be hard to lure him away from that kinda job, if it's "cush" and to his liking.
But, you can definitely put me in the anti-Melrose camp for all the same sentiments already voiced here. I also had the same thought as Matt24 regarding the angle that they want to use Melrose to help "sell" hockey to us. That really smacks of a short-sighted Canadian, "we-don't-know-nuttin'-aboot-hockey-down-here-in-the-south", opinion.
timothy
06-02-2008, 03:35 PM
Burns has publicly stated he wants to return to the bench and is full remission. Also said that he would coach only in the "right situation".
You can apparently scratch Ron Wilson off the TB list and Tortorella off Toronto's list.
TSN sources say Wilson to the center of the hockey universe.
TSN (http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=239553&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_main)
CupChamps2004
06-02-2008, 06:16 PM
Did anyone actually hear or see an exact quote on this?
No. Nothing about "introducing," "teaching" or any other exaggeration.
CupChamps2004
06-02-2008, 06:19 PM
Feaster said he was told re: Boyle "how about 2 d-men for $3 million each instead?"
Link?
CupChamps2004
06-02-2008, 06:20 PM
(That contract was and is a joke and I can't blame Richards for signing a deal like that especailly when he wasn't demanding anything like that)
You know this how? What was he asking?
Sotnos
06-02-2008, 08:29 PM
Link?
Feaster interview on 620 the day after trade deadline. Not sure if it's still up, the Richards one is gone already.
TexasBolt
06-02-2008, 08:36 PM
By the way, for those of you who love ragging on the Bucs because of how they went about firing Tony Dungy... this whole Tortorella situation is even worse than that.
CupChamps2004
06-02-2008, 09:01 PM
Feaster interview on 620 the day after trade deadline. Not sure if it's still up, the Richards one is gone already.
Thanks, I heard the interview then & must have missed that part.
Flycoon
06-03-2008, 08:25 AM
By the way, for those of you who love ragging on the Bucs because of how they went about firing Tony Dungy... this whole Tortorella situation is even worse than that.
I have to disagree. I was not a Dungy fan, but he was always a class act and never ran his mouth. Torts has used the press to "motivate" players as well as rip PS&E management and incoming ownership. He set the table with his own actions.
Jester47
06-03-2008, 02:53 PM
Lightning Head Coach John Tortorella Will Not Return For 2008-09
Tampa Bay Lightning (http://lightning.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=365138)
Jun 3, 2008, 3:42 PM EDT
TAMPA BAY - Tampa Bay Lightning Executive Vice President and General Manager Jay Feaster announced today that John Tortorella will not return
next season as the team's head coach. Tortorella has one season remaining on his contract.
"This has been a very difficult decision because of everything that John Tortorella has meant to and done for this organization," Feaster said.
"Torts came to Tampa and not only built the foundation under our club but he also changed the culture and raised the expectations, eventually
leading us to the Stanley Cup in 2004. What he accomplished during his tenure in Tampa was nothing short of remarkable and our organization
will always owe him our thanks, gratitude and deep respect."
"At the same time, we need to look to the future of the both the club and the organization, and we must make decisions with the future in
mind. John was entering the final year of his contract and extending his contract was not a viable option. Having him enter and coach the season
in a lame duck status was not something I was prepared to recommend to ownership.
"John Tortorella is a very good hockey coach and an even better person. By making this decision now, both the existing and incoming ownership
groups are attempting to give John every opportunity to pursue the numerous head coaching vacancies that exist throughout the League. We
thank John for his many years of loyal and dedicated service to our franchise and our community and we wish him and his family every
continued personal and professional success."
the_narrow_way
06-03-2008, 03:29 PM
See ya Torts. Good luck with your next gig. Please don't go to Canada and make TOR or OTT a legitimate contender.
jdhebner
06-03-2008, 03:34 PM
See ya Torts. Good luck with your next gig. Please don't go to Canada and make TOR or OTT a legitimate contender.
My money is on San Jose.
If Melrose ends up coaching the lightning, I'll stop watching the Three Stooges for a whole year......
Jester47
06-03-2008, 03:37 PM
I think best case for everyone is that he ends up in S.J.
I was always a huge fan, but it's time.
Best wished Coach, we'll see you down the road...
Bolthed
06-03-2008, 03:39 PM
Toronto's got Wilson, so they might make the playoffs but they still won't win the Cup. I think Torts will go to San Jose and do very well there. Same as here, it's just a matter of when he starts losing some of his players and resorting to stupid, abrasive tactics that ultimately will again lead to him being fired.
I don't want to see Torts go to Ottawa, though I am sure they will make a strong play for him. I think if Torts is smart (and assuming he gets an offer from the Sharks as well) he'll see that it's in his best interest to avoid the Canadian meat grinder as well as that team full of finesse scorers, wannabe tough guys and shaky goaltending. Part of me also doesn't want to see him in Ottawa because I am somewhat afraid that he could - maybe - be the catalyst that pushes them beyond their also-ran status. But it certainly would be more interesting for the league to watch the drama of an Torts/Senators drama unfold. I think his head would literally explode.
WaiverWire
06-03-2008, 03:46 PM
In the end Tort's mouth did him in. As soon as he sounded off about Wilson when the sale was announce you knew he was going to be gone. Then when the sale had problems you knew he had to be thinking when the ax was coming. Then when he felt he was going to butt heads with the new owner if they got involved in the playing of players, you knew he was gone as neither owner was going to keep him.
Once again if I was Vinny I would not sign anything until I saw the direction this new owner was going.
I'm a fan of Torts, but I think he was too stubborn in many areas he didn't need to be in (and some that he was perfectly stubborn in, IMO).
No.1 on my list is his style. I don't think it can work without the redline. I know Feaster has said they won a Cup with it... but it's not the same, as they found out in Fall 2005.
I'm anxious to see who they bring in. I want freedom for offense, but a system that is much more defensively sound. Mike Smith could have a good year if so.
WaiverWire
06-03-2008, 03:58 PM
I also now think it will not be Melrose. I think that Tampa jump into the mix today because possible coaches are now being offered contracts and interviews with other teams. If it was going to Melrose then Tampa could stand pat until after the 18th, just like Bettman wants.
Donnie D
06-03-2008, 04:03 PM
I agree with Chad, it seemed that his system didn't work once the Red line disappeared.
It's unfortunate, but I think its time for a change. I look at a John Wooden, he didn't run the same system, his system changed depending upon his personnel. He won with a scoring center, two scoring forwards, and a passing center. Each time he changed the system to work with the personnel that he had. Torts couldn't or wouldn't change they system.
I think a more defensive style may help our younger d-men. Hopefully, not the trap, but something that will help protect our younger players.
WaiverWire
06-03-2008, 04:22 PM
Feaster said in his press conference that the search for a new coach will not start until after Oren takes ownership. I sure hope that by then there are some decent candidates left.
jaydeedub
06-03-2008, 04:27 PM
Feaster said in his press conference that the search for a new coach will not start until after Oren takes ownership. I sure hope that by then there are some decent candidates left.
Yeah that sucks. You can at least talk to some guys right? Think you'd want to get a coach in there before the draft day. Hopefully they have them in mind who (not Mulletrose) and are just waiting until the Board votes to approve the sale. Waiting around for the left overs would be odd.
Maverick9911
06-03-2008, 04:30 PM
Blue Suit Brian is on WDAE right now...Tim Taylor was on before him and confirmed that he's now retired (and also had past conversations with Torts about following him to his next stop).
WaiverWire
06-03-2008, 04:37 PM
Feaster has also said that the new ownership group does have a plan for the team and it is very aggressive, but would not elaborate.
One team has also already contacted the Lightning about Tort's.
Feaster said that this year he and Tort's were just not on the same page. He mentioned the handling of Roy and OB at the end of the season as examples. He said that when Tort's met with him on April 7th about the possibility leaving, Feaster knew that a move had to be made, even after Tort's came back and said he would like to stay.
Feaster did say that the press release did not use the words "fired" or "terminated" as he could not bring himself to say those words.
Sotnos
06-03-2008, 05:17 PM
I guess I was actually doing work this afternoon & missed this news entirely. Was Feaster on 620? Maybe it'll be up later.
Part of me also doesn't want to see him in Ottawa because I am somewhat afraid that he could - maybe - be the catalyst that pushes them beyond their also-ran status.I'm with you, I'd hate to see that. I think he'd be really good for that team. Stash him out west with some team I don't care about, that sounds good.
Bolthed
06-03-2008, 05:19 PM
This new ownership MAY be a disaster, but I for one welcome the change from the boring, certain-to-not-win management style of the last three seasons. I may eventually hate Koules and Barrie, but for now I am looking forward to changes and drama and being entertained. Safe is Death!
Oh, also, it's pretty hard to imagine that a so-called "aggressive" plan would be the term used to describe a team at the bottom of the salary cap. I'm almost positive that we can now be certain that we'll be somewhere in the middle at the very least OR maybe even near the top if these crazy owners get high on their own publicity. And let's just wait and see what the Hollywood Mullet can do to drum up free agents. Awful big sales job gonna have to happen between the draft and the season - to convince fans, free agents, Vinny. But let's not forget that we've got some tantalizing pieces in place with Vinny, Marty, Stammy, Boyler, a bunch of experience and talented young dmen and two young, cheap, talented goaltenders.
WaiverWire
06-03-2008, 05:20 PM
Yes, good interview on WDAE
Sotnos
06-03-2008, 05:23 PM
Yes, good interview on WDAE
Thanks! :)
PEIBolt
06-03-2008, 05:54 PM
One of the teams TSN mentioned would be interested in Tortorella was Atlanta, pointing to his friendship with Waddell. Say it ain't so John!!
TexasBolt
06-03-2008, 06:26 PM
That is almost as ludicrous an idea as Barry Melrose showing up here.
aapbolt
06-03-2008, 07:02 PM
Goodbye torts and thanks for a great run. I hate to see you go because you helped change hockey by bringing speed back to the game, but you forgot that safe is death and didn't change to meet the changes you brought to the game. Good luck and best wishes wherever you go as long as it is out west. Oren and Len read the posts here and interview candidates and bring us a top notch coach.
Donnie D
06-03-2008, 07:08 PM
Yes, good interview on WDAE
4 interviews are up:
Feaster, Bradley, Taylor and Boyle
Puckhead
06-03-2008, 07:30 PM
This new ownership MAY be a disaster, but I for one welcome the change from the boring, certain-to-not-win management style of the last three seasons. I may eventually hate Koules and Barrie, but for now I am looking forward to changes and drama and being entertained. Safe is Death!
Oh, also, it's pretty hard to imagine that a so-called "aggressive" plan would be the term used to describe a team at the bottom of the salary cap. I'm almost positive that we can now be certain that we'll be somewhere in the middle at the very least OR maybe even near the top if these crazy owners get high on their own publicity. And let's just wait and see what the Hollywood Mullet can do to drum up free agents. Awful big sales job gonna have to happen between the draft and the season - to convince fans, free agents, Vinny. But let's not forget that we've got some tantalizing pieces in place with Vinny, Marty, Stammy, Boyler, a bunch of experience and talented young dmen and two young, cheap, talented goaltenders.
Agreed....And I'm not a FA or an agent, but what FA would not want to come here, with the exisiting guys (plus Stamkos) and new, energetic ownership. Or, maybe they'd (of course) want to go to TO or Habland????:p( ooooh forgot about that...)
Oh, also, it's pretty hard to imagine that a so-called "aggressive" plan would be the term used to describe a team at the bottom of the salary cap. I'm almost positive that we can now be certain that we'll be somewhere in the middle at the very least OR maybe even near the top if these crazy owners get high on their own publicity.
My biggest fear though is that Koules will want to collect overpriced free agents like Pokemon rather than signing them judiciously to build around a core of homegrown talent like Lecavalier, Stamkos, Ranger, Ramo etc etc. If he goes Kumar and Wang/Islanders on us, then that's not good either.
Like I've said, all I want is a guy who will front the money and then get the heck out of the way of the hockey people. That's how most of the really good franchises in this sport work.
Other than Jerry Jones, is there another "aggressive" owner in the four major sports who has actually won a ring? And Jones did that with Jimmy Johnson's players.
astro
06-04-2008, 11:42 AM
I'm a fan of Torts, but I think he was too stubborn in many areas he didn't need to be in (and some that he was perfectly stubborn in, IMO).
No.1 on my list is his style. I don't think it can work without the redline. I know Feaster has said they won a Cup with it... but it's not the same, as they found out in Fall 2005.
I'm anxious to see who they bring in. I want freedom for offense, but a system that is much more defensively sound. Mike Smith could have a good year if so.
I was an advocate of letting him go. His failure to adapt his system was a problem. As you stated above about the redline, in addition, he didn't have the players to run his system effectively (mainly, a goalie). Yet, he continued to use it. Before the lockout, it was a great system and very exciting to watch. I wish him the best of luck. Thanks for the cup!
WaiverWire
06-04-2008, 11:42 AM
From what I have read and heard on the radio Pete is that Koules has had many phone calls with Feaster about kids at the junior level. He watches them all of the time due to his ownership of his Helena team. Feaster has even commented that Koules knowledge of the younger players is unbelievable. It would not surprise me if his "aggressiveness" comes in the form of a good free agent or two and giving some kids that he has followed a chance.
Feaster has even commented that Koules knowledge of the younger players is unbelievable.
Well, I hear there is a really good site out there providing daily information on Tampa Bay prospects. :whistling:
In the Trib article this morning Erik said:
Tampa Bay now will turn its attention to finding a replacement who can help bring the Lightning back to contender status. With the likelihood of an 18-year-old budding star in center Steven Stamkos joining the organization as soon as next season as the No. 1 overall draft pick June 20, the Lightning will have a key ingredient in helping with a turnaround.
And because of other expected changes, including the influx of other young players once ownership changes hands, altering the direction from the coaching office became an apparent necessity.
Which he must have got from Feaster:
"In terms of where we are and where we need to go and some of the young players we are going to be bringing in here and some of the changes I anticipate will happen once the new owners come in here, the idea of extending John's contract wasn't an option," Feaster said.
That caught my eye (well, both of them, really)... playerS? Aggressive?
My first thought was an I-told-you-so Boyle trade (I really can't see that happening now, though) for a package of youngsters... or young FA (Malone? Burns?) or younger FA (Wheeler? PLEASE!?) or to keep costs down/balance incoming UFAs (hopeful) they include players like Smaby and/or Mihalik after contracts like Kuba are traded.
Tortorella's reaction (EE) (http://www.tboblogs.com/index.php/sports/comments/tortorella-just-part-of-the-business/)
timothy
06-04-2008, 01:29 PM
Pierre Maguire said on his daily morning hockey show on XM that Torts told him at the Worlds that he did not expect to be back with the Lightning next season. EE mentioned in this column that the rumors of his demise began swirling around the media after the Worlds.
Maguire also said that the deal with Melrose complete except for the announcement, which he expects within two weeks.
astro
06-04-2008, 02:07 PM
Maguire also said that the deal with Melrose complete except for the announcement, which he expects within two weeks.
:sad: :bigcry:
TexasBolt
06-04-2008, 02:13 PM
Why in the HELL would you be interested in bringing in "young players" from juniors and the minors, and then get someone to coach them who hasn't been behind a bench since most of them were in grade school?
This still isn't adding up for me.
Why in the HELL would you be interested in bringing in "young players" from juniors and the minors, and then get someone to coach them who hasn't been behind a bench since most of them were in grade school?
This still isn't adding up for me.
From Feaster's words, it seems like that's why they didn't want Torts there - he didn't match the influx of youth.
timothy
06-04-2008, 02:57 PM
Ok... the plot thickens... and the seems to contradict what Maguire said on his XM show this morning...
Jay Feaster himself was just on the Power Play show on XM radio, and shared an interested tidbit I hadn't heard anywhere else.
Per Feaster... Koules has told Feaster that after the sale is completed (June 18), Koules and Feaster (and Barrie) will sit down with Feaster and give him their criteria of what they what in a head coach of the team. Then, Feaster will have the responsibility of conducting a full search to find a new head coach that embodies the criteria that Koules/Barrie is looking for.
So... perhaps the Melrose debacle will be diverted after all...
WaiverWire
06-04-2008, 03:07 PM
Feaster had mentioned this when he was on 620 yesterday. At the same time he said that the meeting also was to set the budget for the coming season.
And this may answer the Feaster question also. Looks like he's staying.
Sotnos
06-04-2008, 03:12 PM
He said that last night with Duemig also, so there is definitely some hope. It makes a LOT more sense to do things that way than to hire Melrose in an unecessary hurry when there are other options. Not like other teams are beating down Melrose's door (or at least I don't think there are).
jaydeedub
06-04-2008, 03:47 PM
So... perhaps the Melrose debacle will be diverted after all...
Unless it's a rope-a-dope. How long and how many times did Feaster say he wasn't going to trade Richards?
My pal emailed me back and said Mulletrose is being discussed at work now. I asked if she meant that he's being discussed in the media, and she said no, "it was brought up," and in a meeting with the Chief Operating Officer.
Makes me want to :puke:
Guess I'll email Feaster again and explain to him how this would be a bitch slap to the face of Lightning fans. But not in those words.
Donnie D
06-04-2008, 04:19 PM
Feaster had mentioned this when he was on 620 yesterday. At the same time he said that the meeting also was to set the budget for the coming season.
He said this yesterday.... but the last line from Timothy is totally new information.
Yesterday Feaster said that he would learn how the process would unfold at that meeting. He acted clueless (a free shot everyone) about how the new coach would be hired and what his role was going to be in making that hire. At one point he said that he would recommend Sullivan to be on the short list, but went on to say something like, if I'm asked.
Evidently, he was given additional information about that last night when we reported to OK after the beheading. Feaster to be conduting the initial search is far more involved than he said yesterday. Unless, of course the criteria is to find a coach who is a bad dresser, who used to wear a mullet and hates Tampa.
jaydeedub
06-04-2008, 04:43 PM
Evidently, he was given additional information about that last night when we reported to OK after the beheading. Feaster to be conduting the initial search is far more involved than he said yesterday. Unless, of course the criteria is to find a coach who is a bad dresser, who used to wear a mullet and hates Tampa.
Yeah, I don't believe it. I don't believe one minute that Koules will leave the search up to Feaster. Feaster may present Koules with a list, but if it has actually any weight on Koules is BS. I think Feaster is/will become just the middle man really. From what we're hearing Koules know's much more about the game of hockey than Feaster does. I'm sure Koules has just who in mind he wants for the team. I just really, really hope he doesn't do something stupid and do the "buddy-hire."
Netminder
06-04-2008, 04:45 PM
After June 18th,all the Fan's and Jay Feaster,will have the same amount of power with matters ofTampa Bay LightningNONE
All decisions, will be made by Koules and Crew.Jay is Not one of the inter .circle
timothy
06-04-2008, 04:54 PM
After June 18th,all the Fan's and Jay Feaster,will have the same amount of power with matters ofTampa Bay LightningNONE
All decisions, will be made by Koules and Crew.Jay is Not one of the inter .circle
I'm sure my reporting was confusing, netminder. Feaster did not indicate in the interview that he would be making any decisions about who was the new coach. He merely stated that Koules&Barrie would be giving him instructions regarding the kind of head coach they are looking for, and that Feaster would conduct the search to find candidate(s) that fit Koules' criteria.
Reading a little between the lines, I understand that Feaster would be getting a short list of candidates that matched some criteria that Koules provides, and that Koules would be making the ultimate decision on who is hired.
Donnie D
06-04-2008, 05:11 PM
I'm sure my reporting was confusing, netminder. Feaster did not indicate in the interview that he would be making any decisions about who was the new coach. He merely stated that Koules&Barrie would be giving him instructions regarding the kind of head coach they are looking for, and that Feaster would conduct the search to find candidate(s) that fit Koules' criteria.
Reading a little between the lines, I understand that Feaster would be getting a short list of candidates that matched some criteria that Koules provides, and that Koules would be making the ultimate decision on who is hired.
That's how I read it. He is the screening committee. He will be making a list from which OK can either select from or go in a totally different direction.
WaiverWire
06-04-2008, 05:14 PM
Which is what he told WDAE just over 1/2 through the interview yesterday which led me to believe that Melrose is not a done deal.
ThorBolt
06-04-2008, 07:53 PM
I know what Feaster said but do you really believe it? That short list OK gives Feaster could be a list of one name. And then they could say "well we gave him a list of people we wanted him to interview and he selected the coach".
Netminder
06-04-2008, 08:04 PM
Which is what he told WDAE just over 1/2 through the interview yesterday which led me to believe that Melrose is not a done deal.
And God Know Feaster would NEVER tell a lie:ohmy:
Actually, he's been one of the more honest and upfront GMs around the league the last few years. But people believe what they want to.
TSN reporting Sharks requested to speak with Torts.
aapbolt
06-04-2008, 09:17 PM
I was listening to hockey tonight on WDAE tonight and jay was on and said that Oren has a list of UFR's he wants to go after and that they intend to be aggressive going after people they have targeted. Whatever, that means- could be a Malone type or a Hlavac type. Didn't hear what he hade to say about a coach. But the fact that they will conduct a search helps, as long as the list is not 1 name. I really think OK may be looking at a Ron Wilson type or maybe kevin Dineen, I mean he has to have watched hockey on the west coast so maybe he is more familiar with coaches out there and has a short list of those guys?? Oh well we will wait and see.
Bolthed
06-04-2008, 10:01 PM
The rumors about the Mullet are strong, people. This stuff about a short list could merely be lip service to make Feaster still feel like he's involved. They could ask him for a list of good, young coaching prospects and then use it to go after an assistant coach. We just don't know.
As for Feaster staying, I actually like that as long as he stays out of personnel decisions for the most part. And I'm happy to hear that it appears that will be the case. I like Jay personally. He's a great guy who loves the Lightning ... and he's good at other GM duties. I do wonder if he will keep his GM title in the long run, however, because it sounds like Koules and Barrie will be very hands-on.
Overall, I am VERY excited. We've got Stamkos to add to our stars, some veterans, some intriguing pieces AND and ownership that is promising to be "very aggressive," whatever that ends up meaning. I'm worried about Melrose, but if we really bolster our roster AND have a good draft, I'll be optimistic despite him.
Donnie D
06-04-2008, 10:35 PM
Isn't Feaster under contract for 3 more years?
Even if they don't fire him, if they take away all of his responsibilities, he has a case to leave and get paid his severance. A constructive discharge I believe it is called. (I'm not a lawyer, I just play one in my job).
I think ownership is using Jay in the coach hunt to take their list of preferences (trap coach/ no trap, d-minded / o-minded) and reduce the number of candidates to a reasonable number so they don't waste their time.
The more I think about this, I think I begin to tie a lot of what was said earlier in this thread. Roy is what the public is picking up, but I think it was more Tort's refusal to play the younger players that was the source of the problem with Feaster and led to his dismissal more than anything.
WaiverWire
06-04-2008, 10:45 PM
With what Feaster said I wonder if this opens the door up for the return of Andre?
Bolthed
06-05-2008, 01:30 AM
You're right, DD. It's plain to see that Feaster was frustrated with Torts' use of players. The two were not on the same page, this past season more than ever. I thought Torts was frustrated with the roster as well.
As far as Roy, the Stanley Cup Finals got me thinking about the role of the enforcer. Are they necessary for anything other than regular season protection?
Donnie D
06-05-2008, 09:26 AM
We have been told that Gratton, R2, Nasty will be one line
If this is the 4th line - Roy isn't needed.
If this is the 3rd line, he is still in play.
And we've also been told that the Halpern line from last year would be an ideal 3rd line.
Roy could be brought back to monitor Orville's Best... but that's it.
Gratton and Tarnasky and R2 have been known to drop 'em to come to the aid of someone.
Fight fans won't like it because they are not in the top-5 or 10 or any kind of enforcer ranking list.
I'd be more concerned with getting people that can put that glowless round chunk of rubber into that big net thing.
bassassin
06-05-2008, 09:49 AM
Sharks asking to speak to Torts http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=239769&lid=headline&lpos=secStory_main
WaiverWire
06-05-2008, 09:57 AM
If I was Torts I know this is where I would want to go. Such a great area.....and no snow!
Man I have been read the papers out west and up north and not many saying much about Torts being on the short lists for the Sharks or the Senators. This leaves Florida and Miami if the others do not make an offer and those teams are looking at others as well.
WaiverWire
06-10-2008, 09:21 AM
Saw this at another site and thought it was a good read.....I wonder more if there is any truth to Torts and the players. It is a post by someone that was at a function that Vinny and Andre spoke at after the firing.
Look for post by leo 06/09/08 @1150PM
http://blogs.tampabay.com/lightning/2008/06/lecavalier-on-t.html#comments
bassassin
06-10-2008, 09:55 AM
Interesting well I suppose it is even better that Torts is gone if that is what was thought about him...:noidea:
Sotnos
06-10-2008, 10:29 AM
If you're going to pick players to say bad things about him, those would be the 2 near the top of the list. As someone else said there, Vinny really shouldn't be too harsh, since he benefitted quite a bit from Torts.
timothy
06-10-2008, 10:44 AM
Wow... I think Pete was right when the good cop Ramsey was fired, there was no one to run interference on Torts with the kids.
CupChamps2004
06-10-2008, 12:14 PM
If you're going to pick players to say bad things about him, those would be the 2 near the top of the list. As someone else said there, Vinny really shouldn't be too harsh, since he benefitted quite a bit from Torts.
Skeptical. Lecavalier has never been publicly critical the way this says. Doesn't sound like something he would say in an interview.
TexasBolt
06-10-2008, 01:45 PM
Yeah, considering the class of moron and/or firestarter who typically leaves comments in blogs, I'm not going to buy that one at all.
Sotnos
06-10-2008, 03:27 PM
Skeptical. Lecavalier has never been publicly critical the way this says. Doesn't sound like something he would say in an interview.
Hadn't thought of that, but you do have a point there. If I had a dime for every time I've heard "Vinny wants to go to the Habs! It was on <insert French speaking media here> so you can't follow up on it", same kinda thing.
timothy
06-10-2008, 04:06 PM
If the commenter was making this up, then he actually has a more-than-usual working knowledge about the Lightning than the average Canadiens fan that fabricates the "usual" Lecavalier drivel by the fact that he dropped both Picard and Lundin's name and in the context of some things that we actually witnessed (i.e. Lundin's fall-off as the season went on). I mean Picard and Lundin are minor actors to the Montreal fan.
And the fact that the Canadian Grand Prix was actually in Montreal this past weekend, and Vinny is a Formula 1 fan, I have no doubt he was there. And I could see Roy being there too.
I dunno. Could be fabricated. But if so, it's a well-thought out and researched fabrication. I'm not immediately dismissing as the usual Montreal-Lecavalier drivel.
bassassin
06-10-2008, 04:37 PM
This stuff has pretty much been confirmed but rephrased about how he is "very tough on young players"
http://www.tampabay.com/sports/hockey/lightning/article616883.ece
bassassin
06-11-2008, 05:43 PM
He isnt going to the Sharks thats for sure they just hired Detroits assistant coach McLellan http://freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080611/BLOG09/80611069/1048/sports
Wow. That's a good hire. I'm surprised he wasn't mentioned by the so-called experts more often.
timothy
06-12-2008, 10:00 AM
Is there any other options for Torts now besides LA, FLA, or ATL?
Sotnos
06-12-2008, 11:27 AM
Is there any other options for Torts now besides LA, FLA, or ATL?
I was just reading something this morning (can't remember where) saying that the Rags might ditch Renney now that Torts is available. Might have been Larry Brooks though, so I wouldn't put much creedence into it.
CTLightning26
06-12-2008, 05:28 PM
I was just reading something this morning (can't remember where) saying that the Rags might ditch Renney now that Torts is available. Might have been Larry Brooks though, so I wouldn't put much creedence into it.
Interesting..But i'm thinking now that LA fired Crawford to go get Torts. we'll see. I thought Torts was perfect for SJ. McLellan might be good, but don't think that's the right spot for him...
Maverick9911
06-13-2008, 01:15 AM
If this has been posted in another thread I apologize but I've been so out of the loop lately.
Apparently Torts isn't coming to give a call-in interview on WDAE after all. After conversing with Duemig, he said too much has been said by the media and by former players and he doesn't want to turn it into a "he said - he said" deal. It was mentioned rather quickly but that much I was able to hear.
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