Well, it's official.  Barry Melrose is back behind the bench as the new coach of the Tampa Bay Lighting.  The over under on his stay there is 1½ seasons.  Never mind he hasn't coached in thirteen years.

Most of the time when a guy is plucked from the world of broadcasting, there is failure.  It's a lot easier to solve a team's problems from behind a microphone than it is from behind the bench. His career record is 82-103-31 in just under three years with the 1993-1995 L.A. Kings.  That's not exactly Scotty Bowman like stuff.

It's obvious his friend, team owner Oren Koules played a big part in his comeback.  Word is, although he did have some coaching offers over the years, but none approached the price Melrose wanted. 

Melrose is the best hockey analyst in the U.S. You wonder if this would have been possible if ESPN still had the broadcast rights to the NHL.  Let's face it, being the hockey guy at ESPN is akin to being a Maytag repairman.  ESPN was not going to let Melrose out of his gig there to go to NBC.

ESPN, if your listening, please hire Bill Clement back.

Good luck Barry.  And remember.  You don't have the Great One this time.