Negotiations took a little longer than we first thought, two weeks as opposed to one, but former Lightning coach John Tortorella finally was hired by Canada's TSN as a studio analyst to help their hockey coverage. The network also hired former player Ray Ferraro.

''John is one of the boldest and most colorful personalities in hockey and Ray calls the game just like he played it – with passion and integrity,'' Mark Milliere, Vice-President, Production, TSN, said in a statement.  ''Both men live and breathe hockey and understand what the viewers want in terms of instant analysis and insightful commentary during a game.  They will be very entertaining and engaging additions to the NHL on TSN.''

Tortorella will be in studio for 60 games. In a statement, he promised to be the same person he was on the bench:

''I have not been groomed for public speaking, but that's part of the job as an NHL head coach,'' he said.  ''It's tough to contain your emotions in the heat of the battle, but I don't know how to communicate any other way but honestly.  And sometimes that gets me in trouble.''