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Change Could Benefit Players

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By ERIK ERLENDSSON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 25, 2008

TAMPA - Should Barry Melrose show up to Lightning training camp in the fall displaying every bit of the reputation he has as a players' coach, then Tampa Bay's players will be eager to introduce themselves.

And it doesn't matter that it has been more than a decade since Melrose last stood behind a bench or dealt with any of the players outside of a media interview.

Center Vinny Lecavalier, who will now work with his fourth head coach since being drafted by Tampa Bay in 1998, is excited about the opportunity to sit down and talk with the team's newest coach.

"He knows the game, from what he's seen on television, and I know he's watched a lot of hockey games," Lecavalier said.

"He knows that it's a new game now, but I think it will be just like riding a bike for him to adapt to the game again."

Those who have played for Melrose, including Wayne Gretzky, have complimented how the former ESPN hockey analyst relates to the locker room, whether you are a star player or fill a specific role.

Coming off a year in which some players inside Tampa Bay's room might have buckled under the tough-love approach of former coach John Tortorella, a different tone of voice in demanding accountability might be healthier for some of the younger players, according to Lightning defenseman Dan Boyle.

"I think having somebody known as a players' coach will be beneficial to some of the younger guys," Boyle said. "As some of the veteran guys in the room who went through a lot with Torts, we know what he was about and how he worked. Nobody plays well when you are playing nervous and are afraid to make a mistake."

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