Things are starting to get hilarious when the topic of the Tampa Bay Lightning comes up. Unless, of course, you're a fan of the Lightning, in which case, it's probably not a laughing matter at all. But for the rest of us, man, it just keeps getting better.
After cornering the market on free agents this summer -- and dumping them two months into the season -- the Lightning find themselves in the basement of the NHL, having won just twice in their past 17 games.
They've already fired head coach Barry Melrose -- who lasted just 16 games -- and have won only once since naming Rick Tocchet as his replacement. And you know who finds all of this funny, and is taking great delight in it? Melrose himself.
Melrose appeared on Toronto's Fan590 this week with morning show hosts Don Landry and Gord Stellick, and let loose on his feelings regarding his former team, players, and organization. Say this about the man: he's brutally honest, and he holds a grudge.
Melrose talked about how he had guys in Tampa Bay that "wanted to run the team" and he simply would not let them. When asked if he takes any glee in the fact they've only won once since he was fired, Melrose responded, "I'm not going to lie to you, yeah it does, and any coach that says it doesn't is a liar. I hope Tampa Bay doesn't win a game the rest of the year."
He then went on to talk about how he likes Tampa Bay co-owner Oren Koules and that he's good for the NHL, but when asked how he feels about co-owner Len Barrie: "They hired me, they gave me a chance to coach, and I will always appreciate that. But like I said, I hope Oren Koules does well, I like Oren." Translation: I hate Len Barrie's guts.
Among the other things Melrose mentioned:
1. Steven Stamkos is not ready to play in the NHL.
2. He was never able to get close to any player in Tampa Bay.
3. He also addressed the rumor that a front office employee came into the locker room during a game and attempted to diagram plays:
"No, because I wouldn't let it happen, but I can guarantee you that was one of the reasons I was let go because I wouldn't let stuff like that happen. Now they can do whatever they want, it doesn't matter to me and they've got the guys in charge to let them do it."Yeah. Things are going great down in Tampa Bay.
(H/T KuklasKorner)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
12-09-2008 @ 2:34PM
Ron sam said...
Man Im glad the rest of the world gets to see that len barrie is truly an #@$#^%&^ not just us here in victoria bc.
thanks
ron sam
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12-09-2008 @ 3:37PM
Austin Kent said...
I was definitely surprised to hear these comments. I suppose it's alright to be bitter, but what Melrose did here borders on unprofessional.
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12-09-2008 @ 4:22PM
Tom Luongo said...
... like how he was treated in Tampa was oh so professional!
*rolls eyes*
Say what you want about him, he's right about Stamkos. The whole situation down there is almost as embarrassing for the league as Sean Avery, but then again, it's the NHL, embarrassing things happen every day.
Ta,
12-09-2008 @ 4:42PM
Joseph P Mattiace said...
Barry should be pissed. 16 games.....16 GAMES THAT'S PATHETIC. And Stamkos isn't ready...that's not saying in time he won't because he will...just not now. AND TO ALL THAT READ THIS......mARTY WILL BE BACK IN PLENTY OF TIME FOR THE PLAYOFFS...AND RESTED!!!!! GOOOOO DEVS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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12-09-2008 @ 6:03PM
jeff said...
Len Barrie is an A$$. He was a whiner when he played and he is now. He grew up on Daddy's money.
I have had season tickets since day 1. Its a shame to have spent my $6000 on season tickets for what we are seeing on the ice. We were excited about Melrose coming to Tampa instead of a re-tred coach from another team. 16 games? cmon
We have made bad trades since last season and it continues now. No defense and no scoring. Thank godness for Smitty.
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12-09-2008 @ 9:34PM
Kyle said...
Wow Barry could you be any more f*cking immature? He sounds like a little 5 year old who got kicked off his hockey team and now all he can do is trash talk them..
Oh wait, that's exactly what he is!
Sure Tampa is in a slump right now, but everyone looks at them losing rather than losing by just one goal. The second they turn there offense around stop DUMPING THE PUCK EVERY TIME they'll make a turnaround for sure.
12-09-2008 @ 6:35PM
Kyle said...
Wow Barry could you be any more f***ing immature? He sounds like a little 5 year old who got kicked off his hockey team and now all he can do is trash talk them..
Oh wait, that's exactly what he is!
Sure Tampa is in a slump right now, but everyone looks at them losing rather than losing by just one goal. The second they turn there offense around stop DUMPING THE PUCK EVERY TIME they'll make a comeback for sure.
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12-09-2008 @ 9:15PM
Kelly said...
If you look at Barry's resume as a coach starting as a WHL coach and onward, how can you argue with the success he has had and would have had with Tampa. Too bad that they (The Tampa organization) strive to be losers and not winners!!!
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12-10-2008 @ 3:27PM
JW said...
Way to go Barry! Players are payed to perform but when they don't , the coach is always blamed and then canned.I've seen many really good NHL coaches take the fall for premadonna players.If these guys don't like a coaches system and are unwilling to be cooperative both on the ice and in the locker room,send them to the minors and bring a player up that will be willing to give up a body part just for the opportunity to play in the NHL.They'll be more productive than a star player who is unwilling.
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12-11-2008 @ 12:34AM
Ronnie said...
Tampa fans take it personal. I don't care who you are yo don't shoot you're mouth off like that. Then team is dong fine screwing things up on their own screwing things up. Most people had forgotten his short time here anyway. I can't wait to see his on screen comments about the team and a coach he called "a puppet" once he hits ESPN jan1. Remember Barry you GOT to the cup...then you were flatout out coached so sit the hell down!
http://www.barrymelroseisajerk.com
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