Around the League 2018-19: Part V

[LucianoBorsato]

Tension in Toronto....???

Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: There has been talk that there is frustration between Mike Babcock and Kyle Dubas: “The relationship between coach and general manager, never as friendly as it appears from the outside, grows with mistrust and inconsistent results.”
There is a large gap in age, and have different styles and philosophies.
Babcock is not in love with his roster and doesn’t like that they don’t have a lot of depth. Babcock didn’t appear to be fan of trading for Jake Muzzin and wasn’t sure how to use the defenseman. He didn’t want Garret Sparks as his backup this year, but Dubas wanted Sparks.

Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet: Mike Babcock didn’t agree with GM Kyle Dubas on who should be the backup this season.

Kyle Dubas is the one who didn’t want to put defenseman Justin Holl on waives in case he lost him. Babcock doesn’t really like having a small fourth line.

After the trade for left-handed Jake Muzzin, Babcock said: “It’s not perfect — it’s what we got. It’s what was available and we’re going to make it work.”

It's becoming more and more obvious those two are not on the same page.

 

[nobody imp0rtant]

Babcock doesn’t really like having a small fourth line.

He must have been thrilled to acquire Petan.

 

[None]

One of the things mentioned when Babcock was hired was the hierarchy when they hired their GM. They ended up hiring Lamoriello a few months later and there wasn't much fanfare about that, it was assumed that there would be no issues.
Babcock wasn't going to get priority in decision making over a GM like Lou just because he had a bigger contract. Now with Dubas there seems to be a disconnect in player usage and personnel.
Will the Leafs stick with Babcock considering his massive contract and consistent track record in making the playoffs with some very average Red Wings teams?

It could make for a dramatic summer if the Leafs make a quick first round exit.

 

[LucianoBorsato]

He must have been thrilled to acquire Petan.

I'm sure it was also Babcock's idea to extend him for 2 years

 

[cbcwpg]

It's becoming more and more obvious those two are not on the same page.

Heading into the playoffs... high expectations... and it's becoming public knowledge that your coach and GM don't see eye to eye... The Leafs are the gift that keeps giving...

 

[Mortimer Snerd]

He must have been thrilled to acquire Petan.

who has now been extended for 2 years, 1 way.

 

[Gm0ney]

Excellent news about the Leafs...

 

[Joe Hallenback]

Babcock is gone if they get knocked by the Bruins

 

[Maukkis]

Babcock has won pretty much all there is for a coach to win, and playing Jake Muzzin is an issue for him? What the actual f***? He's your# 2/3 defenseman, surely there is more pressing issues at hand.

 

[SUX2BU]

Good time to watch their game 7 collapse again.

Love it

Won $20 from a die-hard fan

And I remind him from time to time

 

[LucianoBorsato]

Yes Bob Nicholdon, you aren't in the playoffs due to Toby Reider. Absolutely no other passengers on the Oilers.

 

[HannuJ]

One of the things mentioned when Babcock was hired was the hierarchy when they hired their GM. They ended up hiring Lamoriello a few months later and there wasn't much fanfare about that, it was assumed that there would be no issues.
Babcock wasn't going to get priority in decision making over a GM like Lou just because he had a bigger contract. Now with Dubas there seems to be a disconnect in player usage and personnel.
Will the Leafs stick with Babcock considering his massive contract and consistent track record in making the playoffs with some very average Red Wings teams?

It could make for a dramatic summer if the Leafs make a quick first round exit.

similar but different: the Mike Smith (yes, that ex-wpg jets GM) situation in Toronto and how he tried to force a power play.
Sam Mitchell did the same with the Raptors as well.

everything hinges on the playoff performance.
i doubt the Leafs fire Babbz. but i can see them negotiating a buyout so he can walk

 

[HannuJ]

Babcock has won pretty much all there is for a coach to win, and playing Jake Muzzin is an issue for him? What the actual ****? He's your# 2/3 defenseman, surely there is more pressing issues at hand.

past tense, sir.
it's been a while.

 

[JetsFan815]

WWE Superstar Edge with some nuclear hot takes about the Leafs :

 

[Afterburner]

Atta boy Yoel Armia!

 

[HannuJ]

how Bob Nicholson has a job, i do not know.



i mean, his record alone should have had him fired by now. this is just icing on the shit pie

 

[Swiftt]

Florida up 2-1 on the coyotes after 2. If they can hold on for one more all we need is a point tonight to book our ticket to the dance!

 

[ps241]

Yes Bob Nicholdon, you aren't in the playoffs due to Toby Reider. Absolutely no other passengers on the Oilers.

Not Bob's finest hour. That had all the finesse of a Kevin Lowe "tier 2 fan" press conference. I have another idea, Bob look in the mirror and that is why your team missed the playoffs.

 

[Tom ServoMST3K]

Yes Bob Nicholdon, you aren't in the playoffs due to Toby Reider. Absolutely no other passengers on the Oilers.

You can absolutely not make the playoffs because of a poor bottom six.

But that is NEVER. EVER.

EVER.

A single player in that bottom six's fault, no matter how bad you think he played.

(Unless for some reason you're paying a fourth line forward something like 6 million dollars for the next 4 seasons. But who would do that?)

 

[Tom ServoMST3K]

It's becoming more and more obvious those two are not on the same page.

I think this is a whole lot of overblown hooey. yeah, they're not firing in sync right now, but they'll figure it out I bet.

but still, I really wanna speculate on if Babcock or Dubas would win a full-on power struggle.

 

[LucianoBorsato]

how Bob Nicholson has a job, i do not know.



i mean, his record alone should have had him fired by now. this is just icing on the **** pie

Great way to attract future FA's. I'm hoping Rieder will sign with a willing team in the off season and have a nice bounce back season, like many other Oiler castoffs.

 

[LucianoBorsato]

Florida up 2-1 on the coyotes after 2. If they can hold on for one more all we need is a point tonight to book our ticket to the dance!

I don't follow that, even if Coyotes lose they can still finish with 94 points as can Colorado and Chicago.

 

[Tom ServoMST3K]

I don't follow that, even if Coyotes lose they can still finish with 94 points as can Colorado and Chicago.

I assume they play each other?

 

[LucianoBorsato]

I assume they play each other?

Yeah Colorado and Chicago play each other on Saturday then Chicago vs Arizona, I guess that would affect the possible points totals they can all get

 

[LucianoBorsato]

Stanley Cup Playoff clinching scenarios for March 21
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