I finally figured out what it is exactly that Shanahans role with the leafs is (besides eating popcorn), it's to announce the hiring of Babcock and then over four years later to announce his firing. Toronto Maple Leafs President and Alternate Governor Brendan Shanahan announced today that Mike Babcock has been relieved of his coaching duties and Sheldon Keefe has been named the Club’s new head coach
I havnt looked at the videos yet, but not having a second goalie, in my opinion, really cost Babcock a whole bunch and that's not really his fault either. The addition of some D players was supposed to have solidified that position, but really hasn't, so Mike gets the blame, plus a few key injuries to key pieces didn't help either. I agree the players should shoulder some responsibility, but that's a given in any sport situation, but Babs is a line juggler and has lost the respect of players in the past who find it difficult to get into a grove because they never know from one game/shift to another who is across from them, hence the no 'chemistry' factor. Lastely, ive alsways been in the Babs is 'overrated' boat, even as the coach of the Red Wings, he lost my support a long time ago. At an 8/50M$ contract, I don't feel too bad for him either, lol.
Sometimes it's just time for a change, the best coaches have been fired for different reasons. You should never give 8 year terms to head coaches, in this case MLSE has the money to burn.
Blashill lasted longer than Babs, I doubt the Wings would've done much better with Babs the last 4 years. They held on to the core for a bit too long when they should've been preparing for the rebuild a little more in advance, that's on Holland.
What I meant was this... Blashill had success in the minors and won a Calder Cup, but in the NHL, he's not doing so well. Sheldon is young with a good resume, but for the sake of Leafs Nation, I hope he isn't a dud on the NHL level.
He's the assistant coach, so he is part of the problem. Maybe Keefe will push him out and hire his own guy, happens all the time.
3-1 WIN In yo face babs, Barrie scores his first. Engvall scores first, finally they sit the goat ffs!!!
