Former Lightning Head Coach Barry Melrose is at it again.  This time using a Toronto radio station to rip his former organization.  I've got a big problem with this, and now Barry baby, you're going to hear me out.

       I'm not going to defend the Lightning, nor am I going defend what you had to say was true or not.   It's your self-imposed platform used I have issue with.  From what I have gathered you said, and I quote: "I'm in the TV business now.  I can't say no comment. I'm not going to duck any questions.  I'm not going to lie.  That's one of the things that ESPN likes about me.  I'm a TV analyst.  I have to look at it from a different perspective." 

       Everyone is entitled to their opinion.  God knows, I give mine more often than not.  However, being "in the TV business now" as an analyst, you have a responsiblity to look at each situation objectively before stating an opinion.   Since you have endeavored into a rant that included yourself, first hand, in the NHL's biggest soap opera this season, tell the whole story.

       You are not totally exempt from this fiasco.  Perhaps you were hired by Lightning Owner Oren Koules because you brought a little "Hollywood" to the organization, unfortunately nothing more.  Perhaps you should admit that being away from the bench for over a decade the game and players have changed.  While you professed to always being a players coach, you only "got close to a couple of players."  Perhaps you should admit the respect factor towards you in the players room pointed to near zero.  Why did that happen?  Pure egos.  You and the players.  As you said, "I'm a name in hockey."   The dapper coach who enjoys the spotlight vs. hockey players who looked at you as nothing more than a publicity act. 

       What I would like to hear from you as a "TV analyst" is your mistakes made.  What your shortcomings were that precipitated an embarrassing early season exit.  Come on, it was more than the boys upstairs wanting to play coach, wasn't it. 

       Furthermore, how childish was it of you to say "I hope that Tampa Bay doesn't win a game the rest of the year."  You egomaniac!  That's not only a jab at Interim Head Coach Rick Tocchet and the players, it's a jab at our community and Lightning fan base.  By the way, when your on ESPN yapping away, maybe the cable network ought to to put a crawl underneath you with that quote each time you speak of the Lightning.  WHY?  Because you will never be objective! Therefore, your crediblity "in the TV business as an analyst" is zero in this neck of the woods as far as I'm concerned. 

       Perhaps you would care to respond, objectively.

      Tom Korun