NHL News from Around the League

The Tampa Bay ~~Penguins~~ Lightning have fired head coach Barry Melrose. In 16 games this season the Lightning have a 5-7-4 record. Melrose will be replaced by former assistant coach Rick Tocchet. Former Penguin and current Lightning forward Ryan Malone was too busy counting money and could not be reached for comment.

Speaking of the Lightning, there are rumours that they may be pursuing for Leaf captain Mats Sundin. The Lighting would likely have to clear cap space in order to sign Sundin.

Troubles for the New Jersey Devils continue and troubles for the Washington Capitals may have just begun. The Capitals defeated the Devils 3-1. NHL leading scorer Alexander Semin left last night's game with an undisclosed injury. He is currently listed as day-to-day.

The Atlanta Thrashers donned their third jersey for the first time last night and then went on to defeat the Carolina Hurricanes 3-2. It was the fifth win in a row for the suddenly hot Thrashers.

On the suspension front, Thomas Pock of the New York Islanders has been suspended for three games after elbowing Ryan Shannon of the Senators in the head on Thursday night.

The Penguins face the Sabres tonight at home. The Sabres are coming off a disastrous 6-1 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets so they won't be happy tonight.