Tampa is Melrose Place

[Eracer]

What do the hockey experts here think of Barry Melrose taking over as head coach for the Lightning?

I don't know too much about his coaching style, or his ability, but I've always thought he was a terrific analyst. He brought a lot to ESPN's coverage of the sport.

[MCDavis]

I think it'll be great....For the HURRICANES!!!!

From what little I know, I'm not sure it'll be that much of an upgrade from Tortorella.

[Eracer]

Originally Posted by MCDavis

I think it'll be great....For the HURRICANES!!!!

From what little I know, I'm not sure it'll be that much of an upgrade from Tortorella.

I said hockey "experts."

[MCDavis]

Originally Posted by Eracer

I said hockey "experts."

Then you shouldn't be mentioning Tampa...they're not even close to hockey "experts"!

[Eracer]

Originally Posted by MCDavis

Then you shouldn't be mentioning Tampa...they're not even close to hockey "experts"!

I think you are mistaken, sir. A Stanley Cup gives a town the right to brag about its team forever, regardless of how poorly that team did last year...

Let's look back at how the Lightning have fared against the 'expert" Hurricanos, shall we:

The Canes are 10-20-4 against the Lightning in their last 34 matchups.

[LyleG]

Unless Melrose is going to strap on the pads and stop pucks he will fair no better than John did. They need a new goalie, and better defense, not a new coach.

[Pa Jayhawk]

Originally Posted by Eracer

I said hockey "experts."

Originally Posted by MCDavis

Then you shouldn't be mentioning Tampa...they're not even close to hockey "experts"!

... or Barry Melrose for that matter.

I know the Caps fans have to be jumping up and down about right now. Knowing the Lighting have at least a few more years of rebuilding (In the Coaching staff.)

[Eracer]

Originally Posted by LyleG

Unless Melrose is going to strap on the pads and stop pucks he will fair no better than John did. They need a new goalie, and better defense, not a new coach.

+1 on the defense. I think Ramo and Smith will prove capable. They just can't get pounded with 45 SOG every game.

The Lighning's biggest problem is that they have one good scoring line. The 2nd and 3rd lines have been relatively useless.

[King Par]

Well...he was born in Saskatchewan.........

[LyleG]

Originally Posted by King Par

Well...he was born in Saskatchewan.........

Bet ya he had a rain barrel........................and a sheep or 3

[Rockford35]

Originally Posted by King Par

Well...he was born in Saskatchewan.........

Remember that sweet weave he used to sport? Sweetest mullet ever next to Agassi and Kelly Hrudey.

Mellrose ain't gonna fix that team. And neither is signing Vinne for 90 million bucks over 9 years.

R35

[Eracer]

Originally Posted by Rockford35

Remember that sweet weave he used to sport? Sweetest mullet ever next to Agassi and Kelly Hrudey.

Mellrose ain't gonna fix that team. And neither is signing Vinne for 90 million bucks over 9 years.

R35

That was a bit ridiculous....

[King Par]

I don't think Vinny is worth that anymore. Sure a couple years ago, he'd be worth that for sure, but I don't think he's going to display much this year.

I really like what Toronto's doing, releasing Tucker, Wellwood and Raycroft. Letting Sundin talk to other teams. This is what they should have done a long time ago. John Ferguson screwed the Leafs beyond belief.

[MCDavis]

Originally Posted by Eracer

I think you are mistaken, sir. A Stanley Cup gives a town the right to brag about its team forever, regardless of how poorly that team did last year...

Let's look back at how the Lightning have fared against the 'expert" Hurricanos, shall we:

The Canes are 10-20-4 against the Lightning in their last 34 matchups.

Yep, you've done well against us. But who's faired better overall, my friend? (Geez, I hope it was us!!)

Originally Posted by LyleG

Unless Melrose is going to strap on the pads and stop pucks he will fair no better than John did. They need a new goalie, and better defense, not a new coach.

Originally Posted by Rockford35

Remember that sweet weave he used to sport? Sweetest mullet ever next to Agassi and Kelly Hrudey.

Mellrose ain't gonna fix that team. And neither is signing Vinne for 90 million bucks over 9 years.

R35

I agree with Lyle and Rock here. Not claiming to be an expert, and I do pull for a team that threw a lot away last year, but I think Tampa needs more help than we do (wow,that's really insulting!). Melrose's big claim to fame is an unsuccessful trip to the finals. He had Gretzky, he was bound to get there. At least Tortorella won it with Tampa.

[LyleG]

Vinny is one of if not the best all around players in the NHL.

He led them in scoring, fights, penalty minutes and is a true leader. Him and Iginla are the best captains in the league imo. Vinny is worth every penny they pay him.