WB Philp | Feb 24, 2010 | Comments 3
Is Tocchet out?
According to Lyle Richardson of Spector’s Hockey: “A reliable source claims the Tampa Bay Lightning could announce Jim Johnson replacing Rick Tocchet as head coach, possibly in next 48 hours.” Nothing has been heard from the Tampa media. This would be a very strange move at this time. Stay tuned!
Filed Under: Featured Rumors • NHL Teams • Rumors • Tampa Bay Lightning
Tags: hockey • Jim Johnson • lyle richardson • NHL • Rick Tocchet • Tampa Bay Lightning
About the Author: WB Philp is a published hockey writer who has a built in disdain for Barry Melrose. He covered the Detroit sports teams for many years until he came to his senses and moved to the Sunshine State. He is a true puckhead on a mission from God (Gordie Howe) to make hockey relevant in the south. He lives in Hockey Bay USA and covers the Lightning full time. Did I mention he hates Barry Melrose?
I’d be stunned if he was replaced. Tocchet has the Lightning on the cusp of a playoff spot. Look how well Stamkos has matured under Tocchet’s direction.
Hey Jeremy! It now looks as if Norfolk coach Jim Johnson and Lightning assistant Wes Walz are trading places and Rick Tocchet is not happy about it. This according to TSN’s Bob McKenzie. Very curious timing for the move! We’ll see how it plays out.
Tocchet is the rocket scientist who ran Jussi Jokinen out of town, and has turned LaCavalier into a middle-of-the-road player. Jokinen was one of the top performers in last year’s playoffs, and is having a great year in Carolina.
I was very surprised Tocchet survived the off-season. Too much talent in Tampa to be performing as they have.