Barry Melrose Could Be Leaving ESPN For Tampa Bay

Yet another analyst is going back to his coaching roots, but this time at ESPN. Hockey analyst Barry Melrose and his fabulous mullet are reportedly heading to Tampa Bay and will the new Coach of the Lightning....

Tampa, FL (Sports Network) - Barry Melrose will reportedly take over for John Tortorella behind the Tampa Bay Lightning bench within the next few days.

The Toronto Star reported Friday that the former Los Angeles Kings coach will be named as a replacement for Tortorella, who has yet to be fired by the Lightning.

Melrose, who is currently a featured NHL analyst for ESPN, has not coached a team since he left the Kings in the 1994-95 season. In the 1992-93 season, he helped guide the team to its first and only Stanley Cup Finals appearance, which the team lost in five games to the Montreal Canadiens. However, Los Angeles failed to make the playoffs in the next two seasons.

I'm sure Melrose has always wanted to Coach, but it's kind of bad timing as ESPN has decided to devote more coverage to the Sport as of late. I guess that leaves John Buccigross as the only Hockey guy left at the "Leader".

Melrose in, Tortorella out in Tampa Bay (Seattle P-I)