The Tampa Bay Lightning have fired head coach Barry Melrose.

Assistant coach Rich Tocchet will take over as the team’s bench boss for at least the time being. Tampa has struggled this season under their new regime, going 5-7-4, including a current three-game losing streak. Nov. 14 - 4:38 pm et

When I noticed that hockey season ran the same time that baseball did not, it fast became my #2. Like baseball there is so much to retain in the name of individual statistics, tradition and history, dynasties and superstitions.

Ironic that the city this topic is in question of shall host this years All-Star weekend festivities. I had the pleasure of watching the three days last 1/22-/24th when Dallas hosted. Too bad the local media just wanted to bemoan the retirement of Bill Parcells.

I remember when Yogi Berra was hastily fired in 1985 after a 5-11 start. Billy Martin was his replacement. I recall Vin Scully saying, ‘They should have fired the whole team!’

It was Bob Hartley’s time to go. When you lose your team, or if your team gives up on you, a change is needed at the top. The Thrashers are interesting in that they were the last team to score five unanswered goals on the Stars prior to Dallas’ meltdown in Los Angeles two weeks ago.

I was at the AAC 1/18/06 when I watched a 2-0 lead turn into a 5-2 spanking by Hotlanta! Marian Hossa was a juggernaut. Since many of the southeast teams have histories more recent, from 1989 onward, it behooves me to want to see a good rivalry being spawned.

In many job sectors it doesn’t always take a bad month. More like a bad day, a bad minute, a bad second. Could also be why I’m not a corporate guy.

Happy Holidays friend! See you in 2008!

Appreciate your point of view. Sounds like he really lost the players and they needed to make a change. Sometimes we all forget how quickly things can change. Sounds like there is another life lesson that we can all learn from sports.

Enjoy the holiday.

Merrill

Even as a college athlete, I had a constant fear of loosing my starting job to the next guy, simply because of a bad game (or bad play). It’s the foundation of sports, and what drives the competitive spirit. It sucks, too.

I’ve seen the same in business, although the timeline is a bit more extended. I’ve seen a golden boy go from first to worst in a matter of months, simply because they were working on the “wrong” project. I’ve seen blue chippers unceremoniously fade off into obscurity because they disagreed with the wrong person. Again, it’s not right. But for many it is reality.

Given that I am active in the local hockey scene, I have had the privilege of meeting coach Hartley on several occasions. In addition to coaching the Thrashers, he also played in the local men’s rec. league. Over the years, I have officiated several of his rec league games. He is a super guy…until he steps onto the ice. Then, it is all business. You will be hard-pressed to find an official - amateur or professional - who can say that they actually enjoy working his games.

As far as the players go, rumor has it that he indeed lost the team and the players simply did not want to perform under him any longer. I suppose no-one outside the organization will know for sure, but that is the word on the wire.

That helps alot. I have never been to a Thrasher game but if I go I think I want you right next to me pointing everything out. I am sure you know all of the players numbers and stats. It sounds like you are as passionate about hockey as I am about baseball. I am so glad you responded. with your comments. YOU ARE A VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT HOCKEY. I am sure the blog readers enjoyed your perspective.

Enjoy the weekend.

Merrill

Hartley has had his issues with some of the players, though the players were rather upset they lost him, including those that had their issues with him. I am not sure if there were problems between him and management, Don Waddell said that “Bobby” was a personal friend of his and he hated to let him go, but something needed to change.

The firing of Hartley shook a lot of the players. A lot that had not stepped to the plate so far this season. Especially with the game the day he was fired, the players really came to the ice to play. And that was really a first this season…

I do know that a number of fans have not liked Hartley, did not like the way he played the game. People were extremely vocal about this during the start of the season. And, as always, when something goes wrong, the first thing people will do is look for someone to blame. Hartley (and a few other coaches) coached a different kind of hockey. The players, under Hartley, often appeared to be more about the fancy footwork and less about the aggressiveness that is part of hockey. Most times, Hartley would be harder on a player picking a fight than one missing passes or dropping the puck. It was rare that he would congratulate after a good fight, but that is something Waddell does rather regularly.

I cannot be certain that the decision was made because of the fans, but I do think that Management heard the voices and took that into consideration when making their decision. I also think they were desperate and went for drastic measures.

Season ticket holder? I WISH!!!

Thanks for letting me talk about one of my favorite subjects!!

I hear that Hartley turned into a tyrant and was having a negative affect on the players. But who knows - there are always several sides to a story.

http://www.ajc.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/ajc/thrashers/entries/2007/11/15/shutting_down_t.html#

Clearly you are a huge fan. maybe even a season ticket holder? I am curious why did something need to change? Did he lose the players? Was it the no wins in 6 games/ Did he have a power struggle with the GM or irritate the owner.

The reason I ask is it seems to be very quick to start off a season and basically fire a coach who led them to a first place finish six months earlier.

Thanks for your comments.

Merrill

However, there have still been a number of times since that win in which the Thrashers could have done better. Just their last game…the only reason we even had a chance to go into overtime and win it was because the opposing team’s goalie accidentally knocked the puck in their goal…

The team is starting to come around, the veterans are starting to help Kulvy with the weight he has been carrying this season. But, there is still a lot that needs to improve.

Was firing Hartley a good thing? Maybe. Is there more possibly to come? More trades? Benching? Shipping down to the AHL? Possibly and has already happened a few times. Atlanta wants to win. Period. To win, we have to believe. Don Waddell doesn’t strike me as someone who would work for something he doesn’t believe in. Ilya Kolvochuck sure doesn’t seem to lack any belief…

Honestly - for truly inspiring teamwork displays, catching the Thrashers at the right time can win a person over in a heartbeat.