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Bolts, Stamkos Invade Toronto

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By ERIK ERLENDSSON

eerlendsson@tampatrib.com

Published: October 28, 2008

Updated: 10/28/2008 01:56 am

TORONTO - Former Lightning coach John Tortorella often referred to the media throng in Toronto as a bunch of Jerry Springers.

While the reference doesn't single out any particulars of those who cover Canada's national sport in its largest city on a daily basis, it is clear that some stories tend to be a bit sensationalized, a byproduct of so many outlets covering the hometown Maple Leafs.

Right now, there is no sexier story to sell in a tabloid-like format than the Lightning, who have stumbled to a 1-3-3 record and have a league-low 11 goals scored despite a summer shopping spree to upgrade the offense.

At the center of attention, which will no doubt keep the in-box active on the cell phone of the lone Lightning public relations member on the trip, will be Coach Barry Melrose and hometown boy Steven Stamkos, the overall No. 1 pick in the 2008 draft, making his first return trip home.

"We have a high-profile team and right now we are in the news, then with Steven coming back and Vinny Lecavalier and everything else, there will be a lot of stuff going on," Melrose said.

A first-time visit to the locker room at Air Canada Centre can be an overwhelming experience, with several television cameras milling about waiting to pounce as a pack seeking a sound bite from an unsuspecting player simply looking to undress after coming off the ice. Those in the print business then take their turn hoping to extract a bit of information or a juicy quote that will make headlines.

Stamkos, 18, is about to experience it for the first time and will no doubt be asked plenty of questions about the shaky start to the season and whether he's getting enough ice time.

"The closest thing I've probably seen is at the World Juniors championships training camps in Calgary and all the attention and hype," Stamkos said. "I've never been part the dressing room after a pregame skate or after a game with the Toronto media, so it should be a good experience."

Melrose has already taken heat from national critics for Tampa Bay's slow start and for his handling of Stamkos' ice time.

"The press are part of the game," Melrose said. "Just have fun with it, don't get worked up about it, don't take it personal. He's a great kid who handles the press well and I'm sure he'll do very well."

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