ESPN's hockey hair'd expert makes the most of his air time and usually impresses all the non-puckheaded fans with his palatable presentations about a sport only a handful of ESPN viewers understand or care about. Come playoff time, though, it's a different story, as you have to step-up the camera-ready polish so you don't terrify the new viewers suddenly intrigued by this sport they've ignored the last seven months. Next time Melrose should probably turn the tanning bed settings to medium well.

*****

Good morning! It's Tuesday. Who's a streetwalking cheetah?

Then, they apparently decided that was enough for them to know it wasn't going to work and they gave him the boot. I believe the term is "small sample size." Or maybe as Melrose told a Toronto radio show, "It wasn't a hockey decision ... I wouldn't give in and they figured the best way of getting their way was to get rid of me."

Does it make him happy to know that Tampa has only won once since he got fired?

"I'm not going to lie to you, yeah it does, and any coach that says it doesn't is a liar. I hope Tampa Bay doesn't win a game the rest of the year."

How do you feel about Tampa co-owner Len Barrie?

"Lenny was, uh ... like I said, I hope Oren Koules does well, I like Oren."

Is it true that a front office employee tried to diagram plays for you during a game?

"No, because I wouldn't let it happen, but I can guarantee you that was one of the reasons I was let go because I wouldn't let stuff like that happen. Now they can do whatever they want, it doesn't matter to me and they've got the guys in charge to let them do it."

Anyway, Melrose is headed back to ESPN where he belongs and Tampa is right back where it belongs—in the basement. And that's just the way Melrose likes it.

Barry Melrose on Tampa Bay: 'I Hope Tampa Bay Doesn't Win a Game the Rest of the Year' [Fanhouse]
Listen to Barry Melrose Interview [Fan590]