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Melrose Relishes Lightning's Ongoing Woes

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By AARON KNOX | TBO.com

Published: December 9, 2008

Updated: 12/09/2008 04:09 pm

Barry Melrose, fired after just 16 games as the head coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning, told a Toronto radio station that he takes satisfaction from the continuing struggles of the team since his ouster.

"I hope Tampa Bay doesn't win a game the rest of the year," Melrose told station Fan590 AM in a telephone interview with hosts Don Landry and Gord Stellick.

Although he said he supports owner Oren Koules, calling him good for the NHL, he had less flattering things to say about Tampa Bay's management and players.

"I had guys in Tampa that wanted to run the team and I wouldn't let them," Melrose said. "Every day was a constant battle, and finally the guys in charge decided they wanted to coach and they got rid of me. That's what it comes down to."

Melrose, who replaced former coach John Torterella after the Koules-led ownership group bought a majority stake in the team, was fired on Nov. 14, when the Lightning had a 5-11 record. They have gone just 1-10 since, under interim head coach and former Melrose assistant Rick Tocchet.

"Obviously it wasn't a hockey decision, because they haven't exactly set ther world on fire since they got rid of me," Melrose said. "Now they've got guys in charge that let them do what they want, and obviously that's not working out very well either."

Melrose said he never got close to any of the players in Tampa, which he said was different than his previous coaching experiences. He always considered himself a "players' coach."

"The team in Tampa, I really can say, there's only a couple of players I cared for," Melrose said. "It was a weird team."

Melrose also said 18-year-old rookie Steven Stamkos -- the top choice in the 2008 NHL draft -- isn't ready for the rigors of the NHL, and that he wouldn't let management meddle with the roster, playing time or strategy.

Listen to the entire interview here.

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