Tv Talk

ESPN analyst Barry Melrose is one of hockey's most recognizable figures. We recently caught up to the 45-year-old former Los Angeles Kings coach and defenseman with three NHL teams to talk pucks and get some yuks.

SI: If you need someone to take a penalty shot and your choices are ESPN's John Buccigross and John Saunders, whom would you choose?

Melrose: Might as well submit to the loss and take away a little dignity.

SI: Do you miss the glowing puck on Fox?

Melrose: Fox tried to be innovative and I like that, but the glowing puck was an embarrassment.

SI: If you had to spend eternity with Don Cherry or Dick Vitale, who would get the nod?

Melrose: Oh, man. I might have to go to the other place.

SI: You had a 79-101-29 career NHL coaching record. What would Barry Melrose the commentator say about Barry Melrose the coach?

Melrose: That he was fired too early in his career.

SI: Who would win a slugfest between you and analyst Bill Clement?