Was it a good thing that John Tortorella got fired?

Question

A awesome coach, who won the stanley cup, and got fired only four years later. Was this a mistake?

Answer 1

Sorry Nic, and Toronto. You needed a coach, and got a crybaby. I hope the Canadian press will sort Ron out, He's a good coach but a crybaby.

Answer 2

His time in Tampa was over.  It is good for both parties, however, Fester should be on a short leash since he gave Torts an AHL defense and goaltending crew to work with these last 3 years.  Considering this team even made the playoffs the 2 years after the lockout goes to show that Torts was a good coach.

Answer 3

And who can forget him as Vinnie Barbarino, that wisecracking schoolboy, of Italian decent, on "Welcome Back Kotter"?

Answer 4

Send him to Toronto, we need a coach.

Answer 5

Yes, for another team that picks him up (Sorry T.O. you're getting Ron Wilson).  Tortorella would be a good fit in Ottawa, where there is some offense to work with.  As far as Melrose is concerned.... he's been out of the game for too long (even if he has been an analyst.. tends to be hit and miss).  This is not a smart move to hire Melrose post -lockout/rule changes.   I guess there is an outside chance that a change in perspective for 10 years or so might have done Melrose some good, but I need to see the results first to make that assessment.

Answer 6

yes it def. was

Answer 7

No it was not a mistake, and it's been expected even by Torts.  His first impression of the teams direction in a conversation with Feaster was that maybe he should move on...he then changed his mind but I feel that happened when he thought of being out of a job.  His style of coaching was needed when he came in - a team with no direction and a coach with the grit and direction to give them.  Now the leadership and team fluidity has gelled very well to where that direction is no longer needed, a new one is...and Torts doesn't change his style for anyone, hence the frustrations with the players.

Torts will find a job immediately, he is a great coach.  

ESPN brought in Don Cherry and I believe he will be taking Melrose's place as Melrose will eventually end up with TBL.  Melrose is good friends with Oren Koules who will be the new owner, and he also has a good relationship with Vinny and Marty.  I know this is still just a rumor, but that is my opinion.  The reason for the rumor yet both sides say nothing is going on is because NHL commish told Oren not to "act like an owner until he was one" IMO.

Bottomline is the team morphed into something different under Torts, and now need a new direction.  You can't blame last season on Torts, we had tons of injuries and goalie problems...however there is too much friction between him and the players cause TBL doesn't need him anymore, we need someone new.