Lightning fire coach Barry Melrose; Rick Tocchet takes over on interim basis

TAMPA, Fla. — Barry Melrose's latest go-around as an NHL coach has come to an abrupt end.

The Tampa Bay Lightning fired Melrose on Thursday, and announced that assistant Rick Tocchet would take over the head coaching duties on an interim basis.

Under Melrose, the Lightning won just five of 16 games to open the season (5-7-4).

"This was a tough decision to make," general manager Brian Lawton said in a statement. "Barry is a good man and we have a great deal of respect for him. We wish him nothing but success.

Lightning fire coach Barry Melrose; Rick Tocchet takes over on interim basis....