 Barry Melrose would record his first win as a head coach in over 13 years on October 21, 2008, with a 3–2 victory over the Atlanta Thrashers.However, the Lightning did not get off to a great start as hoped, and Melrose was eventually fired by the Lightning with a 5–7–4 record.Rick Tocchet, who had been hired as assistant coach during the previous off-season, was promoted to interim head coach.