Lightning commit to Tocchet as coach

The Tampa Bay Lightning have made Rick Tocchet their full-time coach.

Tocchet took over in mid-November after Barry Melrose was fired. On Monday, the Lightning lifted the interim tag on Tocchet and gave him a three-year contract.

Tampa Bay went 19-33-14 under Tocchet. Hurt by injuries, the Lightning missed the playoffs for the second straight season.

"It's something we're proud to do and wanted to do," owner Oren Koules said.