NHL Offseason Housekeeping

Regular season has been over for almost 48 hours now. Two firings and one player is already certainly going to be moving in the off season, and one retirement rumor.

As I'm sure you've already heard, Rick Tocchet and Brian Lawton were let go as head coach and GM, respectively, of the Tampa Bay Lightning. I can't say that I disagree with the decision, but it doesn't sit right with me as far as Tocchet goes. Was he really given a fair shake? That point is arguable. He was given two years to get the team going, and they never really played well for him. On the other hand, the ownership squables and subsequent sale of the team left a lot up in the air and probably tied their hands a little bit as to what could be done with the team. Lecavalier, St. Louis, Stamkos and the rest of the team should be in for a rude awakening, since any decent owner is going to hire someone much like their old coach, John Tortarella.

Just heard out of Dallas that Joe Nieuwendyk does not plan on resigning fan favorite goalie, Marty Turco, because it is time for Turco and team to move on. That leaves the door open for Kari Lehtonen to step up and be the Number 1 goalie for the Stars.

Also out of Dallas, Mike Modano had an emotional 3rd period against Anaheim. He basically thanked the fans of the Stars and Northstars for all of the love they gave him while playing for the organization. Video is below.



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