1) As expected the Tampa Bay Lightning announced Tuesday John(The Fonz) Tortorella will not return next season as the team's head coach. The decision comes after the Lightning finished last in the Southeast Division at 31-42-9, missing the postseason for the first time in five years. Tampa Bay recorded just 71 points, tied with Los Angeles for the lowest total in the NHL.
2) This had to be the worst kept secret ever. Even though we like Tortorella's sexy swagger, we can't help but feel bad that the guy was basically fired through the media a month ago and its taken the new TB ownership this long to get around to making it official. Meanwhile Torts has been twisting in the wind with his apparent replacement (Melrose) already nearly on board to replace him.
3) Before we all have a pity party for Johnny, not to worry. He has a contract through next season, but we would be astonished if he weren't snatched up by one of the many teams with coaching vacancies this summer. He could possibly even not have to change his cars' license plates if the Panthers were to give him a call. We however don't feel that would be a good fit as Torts would do better with a more veteran team. We believe he could do well with Ottawa. They may need his style(at least in the short term). Maybe The Fonz can get Spezza to step up his game in the post season? Of course if Ray Emory remains their goalie it could make a JT coach all the more interesting next season in Canada's capital. Lets keep our fingers crossed this comes to pass! LOL
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