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TAMPA, Florida, June 24, 2008 (AFP) - The Tampa Bay Lightning Tuesday tabbed Barry Melrose as their new coach, bringing him back to the bench after more than 10 years as a television commentator.
Melrose becomes the sixth coach in club history, replacing John Tortorella, who was sacked after the Lightning tied the Los Angeles Kings for the worst record in the NHL last season with 71 points.
It was a far cry from 2003-04, when Tampa Bay had a club-best 106 points and went on to claim its lone Stanley Cup title.
Melrose, 51, coached the Los Angeles Kings from 1992-95.
In his first season, the Kings - led by Wayne Gretzky - reached the Stanley Cup Finals.
Since 1996, Melrose has been a full-time NHL commentator for ESPN, but apparently always had an itch to get back behind the bench.
"I´m obviously excited to be back in coaching," Melrose said. "I´m especially looking forward to the opportunity to work with great players such as Vinny Lecavalier, Marty St. Louis and Steven Stamkos. They´re all such talented and exciting athletes. Most of all, I have missed having a dog in the fight each season, especially at the start of the Stanley Cup playoffs."
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