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Tortorella steadfast on future
By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Published March 1, 2008
TAMPA - There are plenty of reasons for John Tortorella to be concerned about his job security. The Lightning, in transition on the ice and in the owner's box, is in last place in the Southeast Division and virtually assured of missing the playoffs for the first time since the 2001-02 season. But if Tortorella, in his sixth season as coach in Tampa Bay, is fretting, he is doing so in private. "I'm not going to do my job to please people," he said Friday morning. "My job is to do the job the correct way, and I'm going to stay with the way I feel it's supposed to be done. And people above, (if) they don't like it, get me the hell out, because I am not going to change as far as what I think is best for the hockey team. "It has never been, never will be a popularity contest for me," added Tortorella, who has led the Lightning into the playoffs the past four years, including a Stanley Cup in 2004. "I work for the team, to push the players, to make the team the best they possibly can (be). If people don't like how I'm doing it - or if I'm doing it - they can move me on."
[Last modified February 29, 2008, 23:51:50]
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by Dan
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03/02/08 07:49 AM
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A hard coach, for sure. What bothers me is assigning two new players to the 2nd & 3rd lines for NEXT YEAR before they even set foot on Tampa ice!! Pigeonholing players to meet his vision is not good for morale.
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by gob
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03/01/08 06:22 PM
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The players stopped listening months ago. Triple shifting Vinny and Marty has exhausted them both. The defense doesn't block shots or take the body.
Fire Torts. He's not a bad coach, but the players need a different voice. They're sick of his.
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by ben bolt fan
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03/01/08 04:15 PM
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Then what is the problem with the third period Torts. Your team is the worst in the league and last night is the same thing, just a different game.
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by Horatio
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03/01/08 12:50 PM
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Brash words from a coach whose team has been subject to a "downward spiral" this year and has failed to impress anyone since 2004.
It sounds to me like a guy who expects to be fired and is now trying to sing Frank Sinatra's song, "I Did It My Way!
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by olin
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03/01/08 10:53 AM
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I vote move on, John
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by Scot
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03/01/08 10:03 AM
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The devision is still close enough that a big win streak could still turn things around and get the BOLTS into the playoffs.
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by chris
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03/01/08 10:02 AM
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Stick to your guns Torts, you brought from the depths to heights. Hope your still around next year. A little less ice time for the big names and a little more for the 2 & 3 lines would help but its your team.
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