From Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune:
“This has been a very difficult decision because of everything that John Tortorella has meant to and done for this organization,” Feaster said. “Torts came to Tampa and not only built the foundation under our club but he also changed the culture and raised the expectations, eventually leading us to the Stanley Cup in 2004. What he accomplished during his tenure in Tampa was nothing short of remarkable and our organization will always owe him our thanks, gratitude and deep respect.”
Here is the entire entry courtesy of Bolts Report.
After reading this piece, it seems fairly clear to me that Feaster did not make this move on his own. Feaster and Tortorella have worked extremely well together for just under a decade and I know that Feaster was a big booster of Tortorella the coach and Tortorella the person. It seems the Lightning ownership sale has to be making some progress, otherwise I don’t think this move would have taken place.
