Posted by  BillSmith, Central FL on 10/09  at  02:11 PM

Its called passion. When you are a fan of a team when they were winning 19 games a year, then experience the joy of winning a cup, emotions run near the surface.

Torts was not the only one responsible for the cup win, but he was the head coach when we won.

For a new ownership group to come in here and blast the previous group that brought winning hockey to Tampa is stupid. They are cowboys.

Posted by  Tim Halstead, Oldsmar on 10/09  at  01:38 PM

you guys get worked up over the smallest things and lets face it guy torts wasnt the only one who won that ring what did this team do when they got rid of craig ramsey and why did they get rid of ramsey cus he was underminding torts. look i like torts as a person very nice guy, but he is a self centered jerk when it comes to his coaching its all about him

Posted by  Paul Spencer, Orlando on 10/09  at  12:03 PM

Say what you want about Torts, the team was ALWAYS in shape. Not so with this team under Melrose. After seeing the first two games - they all look out of shape and uncoordinated.

Posted by  Lisa Marie Phillips, Anna Maria Island on 10/09  at  11:46 AM

Ruthe: I’m with ya.  THe first thing I thought of when I heard Koules’ comments was that the team could never trust him to keep his yap shut.  If the closed door party did, indeed, happen - it should not have been reported.  Otherwise, they would have held a PUBLIC party.  Sheesh!

Posted by  BillSmith, Central FL on 10/09  at  09:42 AM

“Shut your yap” Koules until you repeat the championships won by Torts.

So far your “new” team sucks. The TV celebrity and convicted felon you hired to coach have done nothing even approaching the accomplishments of Torts.

Posted by  richardb, tampa on 10/09  at  06:36 AM

I have been a season ticket holder for 15 years. This looks like it did in the early days.
I do not see Barry, Oren Koules, or Len Barrie with a AHL and an NHL Ring.
Torts knows more and has done more for the Lightning then all three together.
Torts type of hockey is a lot of fun to watch. The coach is not to be a buddy or a dad, he has a job to do.
As for puck moving D’s they traded away one of the best in Dan Boyle.
I hope Barry is gone by December.
(10w 26L) Hope I am wrong for the guys sake.

Posted by  Tim halstead, Oldsmar on 10/08  at  04:31 PM

I Like Rhett Warrener i think hes a fairly solid defensemen someone who might be able to play with a carle or meszaros but come on guys 2 games into the season is waaaaaaaaaaaay to early to criticize melrose. i just think to many of you people are bitter he didnt pick the lightning in 04 to win the cup. also realize this team has been together for what 3 weeks give it time to jell.

Posted by  Ruthe Robertson, St Pete on 10/08  at  04:17 PM

I was never a big Torts fan and am glad he is gone; however, if I were Koules I would keep a low profile until we see how the team he assembled turns out. Could be an embarassment. He and Barrie come across as being a little too cocky! If the Bolts did throw a party behind closed doors when they found out Torts was fired, that should be personal.

Posted by  Bill, Sarasota on 10/08  at  01:13 PM

EE. I am inclined to agree with Brian, so far Mr. Melrose hasn’t shown us anything different or new. Let’s move on. I feel that the new owners should stop playing games. This is not an electric train set or tinker toys. Settle down and find good solid defensemen. Guys that will fight hard in the corners,stand up for their team mates, help clear the puck when needed and assist the goalies in reducing shots on goal. Thanks of the nice column you right for all to enjoy.

Posted by  Steve, Lutz on 10/08  at  12:51 PM

I think Rhett Warrener is a better fit, but only on re-entry waivers when we could just pay him 1/2 of his salary.

Posted by  Nancy Pacini, Brandon on 10/08  at  10:38 AM

McLaren makes $2.5MM.  Way too much money for what he would bring to the team.

Posted by  Brian Freid, tampa bay on 10/08  at  10:09 AM

i really think the new owners need to focus on making this a winning team and not taking shots at things in the past. So far i don’t see how Melrose is any better of coach, he is just a different voice.

what do you think about the team picking up Mclearn on waivers? he’s slow and injury prone, but at least he is tough and can defend our young defense.