The Prophecy is Fulfilled: Melrose to Tampa

What in the world are we to make of the Tampa Bay Lightning these days? First, they trade away Brad Richards, breaking up the big three. Then, their new owners show up to the draft looking more like hollywood actors than people with more money than money can buy. Not that there's anything wrong with that. Now, they've taken it one step further.

Yes. The mulleted prophecy appears as though it has been fulfilled.

ESPN, the people who probably know best about this sort of thing, are reporting that the Lightning will name Barry Melrose coach tomorrow. However, the hollywood actors Lightning are not confirming this. My guess -- they don't want to blow the lid on it just yet. Either way, we'll see.

What we can confirm is that this will not become a Tampa Bay Lightning blog if Melrose gets the job. There may be a significant increase in Lightning fans around these parts (not likely) but there will not be a major increase in coverage of the team here (very likley). All three Lightning fans are probably offended at this point.

The big question now... If the reports are true, who will fill Barry's shoes at ESPN? Those are some awfully big shoes to fill. And the mullet. Don't forget about the mullet.

Oh. And then there's this. Are the Bolts completely off their rockers or totally off them?

Coyotes assistant Rick Tocchet has decided not to return to the team, an NHL source has confirmed.

Tocchet is expected to join the staff of new Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Barry Melrose, whose appointment is expected to be announced at a news conference on Tuesday.