Babcocks Marner
It's a magical time
29th place pace…
See above.
What team around us, EVEN in 29th, should even be close to us? Vancouver is 6 points ahead, and we got a game in hand... for 7th last.
29th place pace…
See above.
What team around us, EVEN in 29th, should even be close to us? Vancouver is 6 points ahead, and we got a game in hand... for 7th last.
I just don't understand how you can say coaching has no/little impact when there are multiple metrics that show how his system has improved things for the team over previous years. Where the Leafs have worsened (offense) has come from the lack of talent - something that is beyond the control of a coach. Babcock can't turn Grabner into a 25 goal guy.
Using only league standings as the only measure of coaching success is deeply flawed. Carlyle leafs team made the playoffs I. A shortened season despite all the underlying numbers saying hat the team was terrible. Surprise surprise the team collapsed next season.
Coaching matters - a lot.
I think his biggest impact has simply been stability, and accountability.
In past seasons, there was constant talk of coaches being on the hot seat etc. With Babs on an 8 year deal getting paid more than many of the players, there's none of that. Babcock has the full authority to do whatever he see's fit to instill a hardworking culture in this group, and the players know that if they don't meet expectations there will be repercussions.
Perhaps surprisingly, this season has been much more upbeat than many in the past when the team was more competitive. Just from watching the team, it seems like a much funner group to be around - despite all the losing, there's none of the drama we've become so used to in Leaf Land; everyone is pulling on the same rope.
What does that matter?
The predictions before the season started… with the talent we had was bottom 5.
Have we:
a) exceeded those predictions
b) met those predictions
c) fell short of those predictions
?
Clearly, b) for me. Which means coaching had relatively little impact. And a work ethic (BS) that is being developed is probably moot considering 23 contracts expire over the next 2 seasons. This roster will turn over.
Babcock's… sorry Babs'… real work will start with a young roster and higher expectations.
I think he's an awesome coach. I would love to play for him. I would love for my kids to play for him. I don't think Coaching has that much of an impact and this Babcock… sorry Babs'…. parade… is a little premature.