Anomalously 0 Report post Posted August 4, 2008 http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/columns/stor...&id=3515195 ESPN ranking of the best (and worst) coaches. Divides them into categories. Mike Babcock, Detroit He could become, if he hasn't already, the prototype for the modern-era coach. Babcock didn't play in the NHL, but he has a broad coaching background on the major-junior, Canadian college (briefly) and American Hockey League levels before stepping up, and up to the challenge. Yes, he's been blessed to be in organizations with considerable talent, but he has proven to be adaptive in the evolving NHL -- and that might be the most important quality for a coach in this era. Also, check out the bit on Therrien... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
miller76 463 Report post Posted August 4, 2008 It's kind of an interesting article. I definetly agree with Babs up there and all. But the situations with Granato in Colorado and Wilson in Toronto getting ready to spar with the media will be the most entertainment this year. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sepster 0 Report post Posted August 4, 2008 So a career record barely above .500 and winning ONE playoffs series in 8 seasons places Andy Murray among the "Proven" how, exactly? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
edicius 3,269 Report post Posted August 4, 2008 I love how Frei almost didn't put Therrien among the "proven" because of his whining. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Yzerfan1999 81 Report post Posted August 4, 2008 Craig MacTavish is a terrible coach. They went to the finals in 2006 with horseshoes up their asses, and other then that the Oilers have been a 8th or 9th place team for the last 8 years. I have no idea what MacT has "proven". Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chunkylover 26 Report post Posted August 5, 2008 I definitely agree with the "Elite" category. I think that Trotz and Ruff have proven that despite their owners they can lead successful teams. Even though Therrien chased away Hossa and Roberts, and is a terrible leader, I would say he is a proven coach. The whole, "this team wants to have the worst defense in the league," thing was pretty bold and probably necessary for a bunch of goofy kids. There is no way guys like Laviolette, Renney, or Murray are "proven". Laviolette is the only one that's done anything and immediately afterward commenced with the failure. MacTavish is another questionable coach. Totally agree on Carlyle, Hitch, Tippet, and Wilson, and the remainder of the listing. Lastly, Vigneault shouldn't have won the Adams in '07. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RyanBarnes! 293 Report post Posted August 5, 2008 Babcock is the best coach in hockey right now. Not too many could manage to turn around an organization like Babcock did with the Wings. Before Babcock arrived the Wings were a bunch of soft fed up has beens but last year they looked like men on a mission, a machine! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Doggy 130 Report post Posted August 5, 2008 Babcock is the best coach in hockey right now. Not too many could manage to turn around an organization like Babcock did with the Wings. Before Babcock arrived the Wings were a bunch of soft fed up has beens but last year they looked like men on a mission, a machine! I like you. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Penky26 2 Report post Posted August 5, 2008 Babcock is the class of the league. Glad he is behind our bench Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
