ESPN is reporting that their lead NHL analyst will now be the 'Ning's new bench boss.

While it's certainly an attention-grabbing hire, it will be interesting to see how Melrose does after such a long layoff between coaching gigs, as well as what sort of timeframe he will be on to bring Tampa Bay back into the fold as a Stanley Cup contender. The perpetually mediocre Southeast division is certainly winnable enough, but I have a feeling that the same thing will end up being a trouble spot for Melrose as was for his predecessor, John Tortorella- goaltending. The Lightning have yet to find a consistent replacement for Nik Khabibulin, and will continue to be in the middle of the pack until they do so. They don't lack the firepower up front, though with Vinny Lecavalier, Marty St. Louis, and now #1 overall pick Steve Stamkos.

Plus, who will replace Barry as ESPN's analyst?

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It's a bird, it's a plane, it's a goddamn shame.

http://www.TheCommittedIndian.com/

Thats what Im most worried about. I hated when they brought Cherry on board, and while not an NHL fan, I certainly think Melrose did a good job of analyzing. I doubt they will find a replacement as good as he was.

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Fare you well, fare you well
I love you more than words can tell
Listen to the river sing sweet songs
To rock my soul

Yeah I enjoyed his work on ESPN. I wish him well with Tampa

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"He is a loathsome, offensive brute
--yet I can't look away."

His success will be directly related to the length of his mullet.

I suspect that Bucci will do 90% of the NHL stuff. Likely, any other 'Analyst' type info would come from Mrs. Cammi Granato.