e_prime

Hey! We only have three! ...and Buffalo is practically in Canada.

I agree gcom, we do need to temper our expectations... otherwise the Blashill promotion get's treated much like the Leafs fans are treating the hiring of Babcock -- like the second coming of Christ. ...and when it doesn't work out immediately, and hey, maybe we miss the playoffs -- it isn't the end of the world/all Blash's fault.

It doesn't seem like it's super argumentative. I mean he even says he's hopeful that it will be a good fit. More like pointing out something that we all need to remember... that this team with Blash, may not work out the way we all hope and dream it will. ...but that's pretty much the same situation that could happen with bringing in ANY coach now that Babcock is out. One thing that we can't argue is that Babcock took a roster that maybe some years weren't as great as some of the other teams out there and got them to the playoffs, consistently, for a decade. Whoever is next, no matter their experience or pedigree, may not do that.

Glosses right over the coaching search and heads right into talking about pro-scouting for the off-season, the combine, the draft. Say what you will about his moves as a GM. The guy is as professional/classy as can be.

Agree. Feel like he's being a bit aloof when it comes to the Blash situation. Loved his response when someone mentioned Bylsma. "Well, that's a name..."

You mean Holland telling it like it is? or rather... was?

Oh, I know. See post #4.

I, for one, would love for him to just announce it and get it over with... but Holland's got to at least explore the options. ...but honestly, I think things get moving pretty quickly with other teams now that #Babwatch is over. Edmonton has already made their decision. I believe San Jose will follow shortly and St. Louis will come to terms or cut ties with Hitchcock. I figured. I just can't believe that there are folks out there that would need it spelled out for them.

Maybe you can swing that 3rd round pick back to Toronto in some sort of package deal, but I doubt it's for Phaneuf... unless Babs is ready for a COMPLETE rebuild situation.

Why wouldn't Blash stay with the Griffs for their playoff run? Seems to me that our wait for an announcement of our new coach might take a while if Grand Rapids keeps going. Isn't he still employed?

Somebody let me know when he makes up his mind. I'm out.

I think if he's only willing to sign a one year deal here, it says that he really doesn't think we can do any better than we have been doing unless there are some serious moves made by Holland... so if Holland is able to land the defenseman we covet and/or make a trade for a huge scoring presence, he'll be happy and stick around... if not he's probably on to whatever new opportunity is available next year... and if that's his mindset then the Wings need to move on. Not to say that I don't think Holland needs to or shouldn't make some moves before we're able to gain any further traction in the playoffs either. No matter who the coach is. http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/30-thoughts-the-last-days-of-babwatch/ (Scroll down, it is THANKFULLY, not the lead) Up to the minute #Babwatch from Friedman has us and Buffalo as the front runners, Toronto is "unlikely" because of the complete rebuild situation, San Jose is "unlikely" as well as Babcock initiated the conversation (SJ has interviewed Carlyle, DeBoer, Bylsma, and Lowry for the position) He also suggests two Wild-Cards: 1. He takes a year off (because he doesn't like ANY of his options AKA he wants to coach Pittsburgh 2. St. Louis.

I don't blame him for not showing all of his cards when it comes to what he wants or is looking for... I'm sure in talking to other teams, he's gotten a lot of different offers with a lot of different levels of opportunity. I certainly don't blame Babcock for not saying that part of the decision is the money... he's already got people that think it's all about the money anyway. ...but as far as winning goes. Yes, Detroit has the better chance of winning a Cup sooner than Buffalo does. HOWEVER, if we continue in the same trajectory with players, types of off-season/in-season/trade-deadline moves, coaching, etc. are we any closer to doing anything more than what we've been doing for the past few seasons. I'm torn about whether I want him to stay or go and I really don't care how much he gets paid. I'm just glad this should all be over by tomorrow and we can end "Babwatch"

are we that insecure? Some are.

This guy right here is not going to be surprised at all. This guy thinks there will be some buyers remorse, but if teams like Buffalo or Toronto are looking for immediate success, I think they're in for a rude awakening. ...and honestly, it depends on what "immediate success" means. Do I think Babcock can get the Sabres out of the cellar next year? Sure. Will he get them to the playoffs? Unlikely. Do I think Babcock can get Toronto to the playoffs next year? Sure, but if they had stuck with Carlyle they probably had a chance. Depending on other moves Shanny and Co. make, I think it's possible. Will he get them to the Cup? Hell no. Neither of the above scenarios is a situation where a coach should be paid $5million/season. It's insane.

Ducks are looking pretty good. HAMPUS on the first goal. 3rd and 4th line with the 2nd and 3rd goals.

I can't bring myself to root for either of these teams. I guess I will watch but will probably be spending the majority of my time paying attention how full the beer mug that I'm wallowing in is and if it needs refilling. Agree with wholeheartedly with BoS: This playoff year has sucked all the balls.

Woooooo!

Woooooo!

Anyone catch Doc's voice crack? My wife and I just burst into laughter!

Won't matter. They're not moving on. lol!

We already have enough defensemen that take bad penalties... I mean, I know his right-handedness is coveted... But really? Really? REALLY? ...and then, there's this.

Green with consecutive penalties :39 apart. In a Game 7 ...and yet we're clamoring for him here in Detroit. Live in NYC would love to continue rooting for a "home team" vs. think Trotz (Ovi? Whatevs.) deserves to get a cup. ...cue some Natalie Imbruglia.

That's still a possibility if Babs signs somewhere else.