Brian Duff's Blog: Melrose tirade great for broadcasters
Lightning coach Barry Melrose had harsh words for his team after losing twice to the Rangers to start the NHL season. (Photo by Tomas Hudcovic/isifa/Getty Images)
Brian Duff
2008-10-07 10:52:35
Call it a case of Torts and the Hair.
“Our goalie gives us a chance after two periods and we can't put 20 minutes of disciplined, hard hockey together," said the Lightning coach in an expletive-filled tirade. "We don't deserve anything.”
So who said it? John Tortorella or Barry Melrose?
The “expletive” should have been a dead giveaway that it was the former Lightning bench boss, (coincidentally also on the heels of an October loss to the New York Rangers), but you may be surprised just how close Melrose came to duplicating his predecessor after only two regular season games.
Following back-to-back 2-1 losses to the Rangers in Prague, in which the Lightning were out shot 80-40, many of us at the NHL Network were surprised Melrose had not checked his analyst’s hat at the door before entering the media area and sitting down at the podium.
“We don't compete, we're too easy to play against,” Melrose complained. “We have a lot of skill on our team, but skill means nothing if you don't work hard.
“My biggest problem was I can't play Gratton's line every shift. It's probably the lowest paid line we've got on the ice, but by far the best line in the last two games.
“For some reason, I think our guys think you’ll get a two-minute minor for shooting the puck.
“I hope our guys are embarrassed by that second period. I know the coaching staff was and I'm sure our ownership and management were. Our guys are trying to win without working and that doesn't happen.
"We have a sign in our mirror over our dressing room that says, 'Are you proud of what you see?' Right now I don't think that many guys are proud of what they see."
As a fan of Tortorella for his honesty over the years, both in assessing his players and the often ridiculous nature of the questions he had to face from the media, I will not condemn Melrose for his Sunday offerings. In fact, I am thrilled he said what he did. Selfishly, it makes our presentation of post-game press conferences that much more relevant, giving fans something well beyond the wishy-washy assessments we are all tired of.
The question is, though, where does he go from here?
Tampa’s early problems are mainly offensive and, for the most part, the forwards are veterans. They tend to tune this kind of stuff out. Already I’ve heard Melrose make multiple references to how much guys are making. That could be a slippery slope down which to venture.
But hey, if Melrose can entertain the masses and pull the Lightning from worst to first in the division as his owners are expecting, he will have a shot at the Jack Adams award. Keep in mind, the coach of the year award is voted upon by the broadcasters, who tend to really appreciate good sound bites.
Brian Duff is a host of On The Fly on the NHL Network. Like his minor hockey days (playing goalie, defense and forward) his broadcasting career has been all over the map. In radio and TV from Medicine Hat to Edmonton, Toronto to Ottawa and back, Brian has been with the NHL Network since 2007 and has been covering the game for nearly 15 years. Read more of his THN.com Blog HERE.
RestlessKnight (Posted 2008-10-12 12:28:49)
I wouldn't lay the blame on Melrose yet. Just because some people picked them to get past the lessor teams to make the playoffs - its not like they've been a good team and let Boyle go. SuperStars they're not.
fleetwood94 (Posted 2008-10-09 16:02:01)
Well, what did you expect, Bolts fans? Barely Melrose couldn't coach a peewee team-leave it to the lightning (lower case on purpose) to make such a bizarre hire...but then again nothing this franchise has done from Day One surprises me-except their Cup win in '04. I'll bet Lecavalier and St-Louis are really having second thoughts about staying on board the Titanic of the NHL. Talk about two guys who deserve better than this...
Brian Kemp (Posted 2008-10-08 23:03:31)
It's early in the season. Too early to be ripping into your players like this. I watched a bit of these games, and what I saw wasn't a lack of effort, it was a lack of ability on the part of the defense (other than CArle and Meszaros) to get the puck to the forwards. Sam, why would the Lightning dangle Carle or Ranger for D when they need all the D they can get and have a surplus of forwards? Also, why would they only shoot for a defensive defenseman when they need a guy who can move the puck up ice? Dave, that's pretty big words considering Lecavalier has had seasons of 108 and 92 points in the last two seasons on a one line team. Vinny isn't one of the problems the Lightning has. The goaltending is above average, and could be the strength of the club, they've got a good group of forwards, but their defense is Meszaros, Carle, Ranger (when he comes back, and guys who aren't ready for the NHL yet. Effort wasn't the problem, Barry, it's a lack of talent on the back end, and a lack of a real system to hide those glaring deficiencies some call defensemen.
Ned Sher (Posted 2008-10-08 18:42:09)
You call that a tirade? Geez, Tortorella gave out better tongue lashings than that! I am sure that the veteran guys shrugged it off and that Vinny and Marty are use to it. It probably didn't affect their psyche too much! I also believe that everyone is in it together including the coaches. This just serves to seperate the group. It is pretty early to be tearing the team apart. Melrose would do better to suppor them in front of the media and if he is going to yell, do it in the locker room behind closed doors.
M.Sanchez (Posted 2008-10-08 17:33:56)
That's good at least i know there is another team besides my kings fighting for the last place in the NHL this season. LOL!!! Melrose, Should have stuck to the network you were paid by for the last decade. What about wishy washy? You still have Burke in Anahiem...
Who will get the ax first Barry or Brian? That's the topic not the fact that he Calls out his player like "MICHEL THERRIEN" has done in the past with the baby Pens!!! come on this is the NHL's baby now. in Melrose we trust. hahahahaha Good Luck Barry. Hope Burke goes first and you make something outta nothing.
jan (Posted 2008-10-08 16:46:50)
Melrose had a tirade --- so what's new?
David Staaby (Posted 2008-10-08 15:48:18)
The Lightning look just like the Rangers during the late 90's. Just because you have a bunch of talent doesnt guarentee chemistry between players. Gotta love that about hockey!
jim (Posted 2008-10-08 12:07:31)
Well, let's maybe wait and see how the Lightning do when they get back into their own time-zone. To me it seems that coaching must be so filled with headaches, the least of which is the endless carping by fans and "monday-morning quarterbacks." The very fact that Melrose quit the cushy, stress-free life of the tv commentator means that he's up for the challenge. The players had to realize that they'd be under pretty intense media scrutiny too, especially in these early games. Boo-hoo if they can't take a tongue lashing. The games ARE three periods long, and you'll have to work hard for the duration. And why attack Melrose for his hair? That's just silly...
Sonya (Posted 2008-10-08 10:58:16)
Not a shock that Barry reacted this way....the guy still chooses to wear the mullet!
Jessie (Posted 2008-10-08 10:28:43)
dave--I have no problem, nor do I disagree with him trying to get more from his players, but you CANNOT do it like this. You CANNOT embarrass your players in the media anymore. Vinny just signed, what? a 10 year deal? Melrose will not win that battle. Recchi, Roberts, Marty--these guys have been around the league a long time and they will not tolerate being embarrassed by an underqualified coach with a big mouth. Just watch. If you think this is an acceptable way to deal with his team, dave, why has it made such a splash in the media? You, my friend, are clueless if you think his tactics are acceptable.
dave (Posted 2008-10-08 07:01:39)
Jesse, you are lost again. Melrose is trying to get something out of his two french boys who act like babies most of the time. Vinny is going down hill. Winning a cup early in his career was a desaster for him. He has no motivation anymore and it shows on the ice. I wish Chara would have diven him into ithe ice when he had the chance three years ago. St. louis is still motivated but vinny is playing lazy hockey and starting to look like Jager. The team is getting outshot because they have no defense to speak of which makes it hard for them to get out of their own zone. I'm glad to see Melrose calling out him top players for slacking. Stamkos is there now and vinny is setting a poor example for the rookie. I have to believe there is more to Barry's comments than just the 2 games (i.e. lack of effort in practice). I hope he gives stamkos more ice time and sits vinny for a while. I have to agree with Dan (on several things) but mostly that Jesse is an idiot.
Jessie (Posted 2008-10-08 00:39:23)
Glen Miller--everyone in their right minds know that Melrose is dealing with a sub-standard roster...except it seems, Melrose. It isn't about the roster being borderline, it is about how he has approached the losses and how he has singled out players, called out players, and categorized his players as either 'super stars' or 'lesser players', sarcastically used their salaries in reference to their quality of play and flat out embarrassed them publicly AFTER ONLY TWO LOSSES!!! Everyone knows that when a team goes through as much of a makeover as they have, it will take time, but Melrose wasted no time throwing his team under the bus. He needs to be supportive of his team and help them grow and learn, not alienate them from himself, the management and ownership. '...they think they might get 2 minutes for shooting the puck...' That doesn't sound like a coach who is in the fight WITH them. It sounds like a guy who is trying to defend his ego and separate himself from the group. Not effective and he won't last if he keeps it up.
Glen Miller (Posted 2008-10-08 00:19:01)
Most of you that have posted are guilty of condtradictiing yourselves. You crack on Melrose for being out of touch with today's NHL (after only 2 games) while defending the poor play so far by stating that it's only been 2 games. Barry Melrose is a smart guy and it isn't easy to walk into a room and know what buttons to push to make a team go. You have to try different things as a coach and feel the team out. At least give Barry until the All Star break before evaluating his performance. Most "pundits" have expressed their reservations about the Lighning blue line and goaltending so it isn't as if Barry inherited the Red Wings or something. There are a lot of new faces in the organization and Barry needs to let them know what will and won't be tolerated. He is doing that with this tirade. Lay off the guy for now.
JOHN (Posted 2008-10-08 00:14:12)
wrjonas it wasnt only about being out shot. being out shot is just one part of the problem "if you dont work hard you cant win"
Ktrain (Posted 2008-10-07 22:24:18)
This team is going nowhere as long as ownership calls all the shots. Once they are out of the plaoffs by January, maybe they will bring in a competent GM like Doug Armstrong to put the pieces back together. Melrose will be lucky to last the year despite how embarrasing it will be for ownership to can their hand picked saviour.
WRJonas (Posted 2008-10-07 21:54:08)
I think Melrose was wrong for the whole outburst. So the Lightning were out shot , so what? That never happens? What he needs to do is encourage the players and then when they win he can show his SUPPORT for their efforts. Nobody likes a boss who rags on YOU.
For Heaven sakes it is only the first two and Barry should be enthused by Smith and Kolzig both.
Bob Allisat (Posted 2008-10-07 19:04:06)
Melrose is a TV talking head who apparently forgot he's now a professional hockey coach. Great players getting thrashed and trashed first by tortallini and now by yet another mediocre loudmouth. Gee... I wonder what Scotty Bowman would have done in similar circumstances? I'm sure it wouldn't be to dis players in game two with eighty plus to go. Me, I'd be ashamed to go back in that room full of hotshot millionaires after such an ignorant tirade.
Sam (Posted 2008-10-07 18:47:46)
They need defense. Id consider dangling either Carle or Ranger for a surefire defesnive defensman that can play the minutes.
cantskate (Posted 2008-10-07 18:31:39)
The Bolts are still bad. I'm not sure why all the pundits thought they were going to be an instant playoff team again after being on the downswing for a few years after their cup. Many of the acquisitions they made this summer were bizarre. Getting a couple of fossil vets is not going to give them secondary scoring. Their blueline lost all its experience. Making a lot of changes doesn't mean they were GOOD changes. And let's not forget, bringing in a coach that hasn't worked a game in 13 years might not be the shrewdest move either. Barry, maybe some of the fault lies with your planning and preparation. It's easy to criticize players for "not competing" when no one can measure that.
Rémi Bourget (Posted 2008-10-07 17:59:18)
Jessie you are right once again. I've seen only a few minutes of the two games, but I saw the interviews. The point is: is this gonna motivate his players or no? Back in the 90s a coach criticizig his players in public used to work. But let me be clearm it only works if the coach is completely supported by the management. Now, if Melrose (a coach among others) is starting a war with Lecavalier (one of the top 5 player in the NHL) who just signed a 10 years contract extension, Melrose ain't gonna win that war!! That coaching tactic to motivate players just don't work nowadays.
spede (Posted 2008-10-07 17:10:24)
Oohhhhh, all of you guys, you´ll see. Tampa will rise, they are far better than people give them credit for right now. It just takes some time. But the season is long.
Dean (Posted 2008-10-07 16:58:43)
Out shot 80-40 and could only muster 2 goals! I think I remember the mighty Hockey News saying something to the effect that Tampa was going to have this super crazy potent offense and would loose games something like 11 to 10 or something stupid like that! Get with the program. A group of talented guys, and I use group lightly because there's maybe 3 of them, does not make an offensively skilled NHL team. Plus, Melrose as coach? Who are they kidding? This was a joke before the season even started
kjsdad (Posted 2008-10-07 15:38:44)
isn't this what tortarella got fired for?
Jessie (Posted 2008-10-07 15:14:53)
Dan--you can't stand in your own end and try to rim the puck from your own end anymore like you used to. Teams are ready for it and they just plant a guy there to pick off the pass. THAT is one thing. Another thing is that you can't try to carry the puck everywhere, especially when you have a team that is limited in talent like the bolts are on the back end. Pair that with his ridiculous old school motivational techniques and talking about their salaries and you have a guy who is in so far over his head it is a joke.
Adam (Posted 2008-10-07 14:29:32)
Sean MIchota, people aren't defending the players, they're questioning the effectiveness of Melrose's strategy of calling people out like this. It's not a question of whether the players deserved to get ripped on, it's a question of whether that will get them to play any better. Ultimately results matter, and I agree with Rangers57, people ripping on him already are somewhat guilty of the same thing they are criticizing. Ultimately, though, I think management has left them short of anyone to protect Mike Smith, and they will suffer for it, regardless of Melrose's comments.
Adam (Posted 2008-10-07 14:24:12)
Of course Melrose can't pull them from worst to first. It would take Scotty Bowman just to get them into the playoffs. Defence wins championships and TB is dressing 6 forward lines. TB is improved over last year, but that isn't saying much.
Rangers57 (Posted 2008-10-07 14:18:55)
I do think that there are different ways to try and motivate players, and for me to say that Melrose was wrong would be wrong. I do believe that you get more with Honey than Acid, but sometimes players just might need to be shocked with heavy words from their coach. While I am NOT privy to what goes on in team practice, drills, behind the scenes, so for me to say that Melrose was wrong would be nieve. What I am surprised at is this was done after only (2) games but he has to have a grip (I assume) on what his players are not doing. If not time will tell. As far as Melrose being out of touch with the league, I doubt that but again only time will tell. If the fans are ripping Melrose for doing what he did after only (2) games, then are they NOT as guilty as Melrose? Let's just see where this goes, because they (the players) will either correct the problem or go further in the tank. If it's the tank, then they would be acting like children and Melrose would be right. It's NOt the players that run the asylum, but the Crazy attendants.
Dan (Posted 2008-10-07 13:44:45)
Ok, Barry is guilty of B? Give me a SPECIFIC example of the system he used in L.A. back in the 90's showing up in the two games of this weekend in Prague. And even if he's using the same old system who's to say if the players execute it won't work. Best example, how many years have the Devils used that neutral zone trap? Last time I checked they've won 3 stanley cups in 11 years.
Jessie (Posted 2008-10-07 13:33:05)
Dan--your 'b' is exactly what Melrose is guilty of. Not only did he NOT make in game adjustments, but then he comes out and rips the players because of it. He needs to realize that he doesn't have the defensive personnel to play the way he wants to play and he has to make adjustments. Getting outshot by 2:1 doesn't happen to teams who are organized and play a disciplined system. Ripping your players like he did after 2 games is going to grow old fast.
Sean MIchota (Posted 2008-10-07 13:10:52)
Once again the comments section is full of people who are defending the "wrong guy". When salery is an issue or the "lockout" everyone comes out of the woodwork to blame the players! Now when the one thing players are truly responsible for... their play, people come out to defend them and their right not to play & not to get called out for it! Its assinine, maybe the NHL doesn't need any coaches b/c then no one will say any meanie, nasty things that will make people cry into their pillows at night??? Look at guys like Kenen & Bowmen they still have an influence in the NHL & the teams they're involved in come to compete every night. You're defending a team that wouldn't have made the playoffs in the AHL... come on!! They had 3 shots in the 1st & 5 or 6 in the 3rd. As a Ranger fan I'm GLAD thet that team didn't show up... but if they were playing a team that put the puck in the net the score would've been 7 or 8 to 1! For that I aplaude their goaltending... they have a great tandum but, if the rest of that team doesn't start playing they'll be watching the playoffs w/ the rest of us!
Dan (Posted 2008-10-07 13:00:49)
To say this game has passed Barry Melrose by has just dis-qualified you from watching Hockey for the rest of the season. A game does not pass someone by unless that someone has either A) Retired completely (from coaching, playing, AND broadcasting) and hasn't seen or paid attention to the game in years, or B) Refuses to let go of his old school tactics that used to help him win (i.e. Al Davis in the NFL) You sir are an idiot.
Brink (Posted 2008-10-07 12:47:00)
Great point by Remi. Barry has a tremendous eye for the game and can spot talent like no other from the broadcast booth. The game has simpl passed him by. To rip on players because they are well paid is just desperate for a man that makes millions himself.
Rémi Bourget (Posted 2008-10-07 12:15:08)
Ain't surprising to see Melrose going after his star players like that... Coming from a guy who used to sit Gretzky during long period of time because he didn't work hard enough. Melrose won't go anywhere with that attitude... Coaching methods are like haircuts, those from the early ninetys don't work in today's world!
Patrick (Posted 2008-10-07 11:24:26)
As Herb Brooks said: "You don't have enough talent to win on talent alone". Melrose is a classic!
John Rice (Posted 2008-10-07 11:21:55)
I don't think Melrose is going to last so long in Tampa Bay, but I'm happy someone is stiring the pot. Brian Duff! We're missing you on Leafs Lunch, they've used a lot of different hosts since the broadcast started but you were by far the best! Sad to see you go, glad your at THN.com.
Jessie (Posted 2008-10-07 11:11:14)
2 games and twice he has basically gone down the roster and called every player out in some form. You forgot to include how he referred to his players as 'super stars' and 'lesser players'. This REEKS of the 'we win YOU lose' attitude and isn't going to fly with the veteran players. This is a team who is trying to come together and after two games he is throwing them under the bus? This isn't 1995 anymore and the modern player is much more savvy than they used to be, they don't want to be embarrassed and called out. Entertaining for media? Absolutely--this guy is a sideshow and always has been. I think he is realizing quickly that his idealized view of how to play the game doesn't work in this day and age and that all his blabbing and spouting off while in the booth, is going to come back and bite him. The renegade owners are no better--watch for knee-jerk trades all season long. So far this whole fiasco down in Tampa is unfolding exactly as I envisioned. Poor Vinny and Marty--how far their franchise has fallen in just a few short years.
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