Mike Babcock Wings coach

[MissConduct 1]

Bill Watters on Leafs Lunch today, Mike Babcock will be Detroit's new head coach, signing a 3-year deal worth 2.5 million....

[kosydar 0]

I'm not too pleased that Lewis was ousted, but I've always liked Babcock. I just hope they keep Kocur on board.

[WingsVK97 0]

I'm not too pleased that Lewis was ousted, but I've always liked Babcock.  I just hope they keep Kocur on board.

I'm with you, I really liked Lewis and how he put in his time, did a good job, and was rewarded by the organization for his efforts by becoming the head coach. But he was the one the players could go to when Bowan was ripping them apart. Lewis was the guy who built them back up after Scotty broke them down. With that role in the past he couldn't really bring the thunder as hard as he needed to and have the player take him seriously. He was the nice guy making it tough for him to get the team to respond. He was a good transition coach to the post-Bowan era, but he really couldn't stay around long. Though I bet he will do well someplace else where he doesn't have a history. He's got the resume to prove it.

These clips from the Detroit News explain it pretty good.

http://www.detnews.com/2005/wings/0507/12/green-242063.htm

http://www.detnews.com/2005/wings/0507/12/B02-242585.htm

I do hope Kocur hangs around! He's a unique story and I just really like his attitude.

[ktang 34]

Dave Lewis = Claude Ruel?

Claude Ruel was also Bowman's buffer with the players for the Canadiens, and he also had a hard time becoming the tyrant when he became the head coach.

This might mean that Burke could get Mike Johnston from the Canucks to be the Anaheim coach...

[Miike 1]

I think Babcock should of stayed in Anaheim. He's like the only coach who brought em to the Cup Final. Only reason because they have a losing team, and of course the coaches fault. Not to mention the players they have are BRUTAL.

[Geeno_56 1]

Happy to hear it i ddin't really like lewis (or maybe hitler what ever you like) i hope babcock does well.

[Miike 1]

Babcock should have a rocky first little bit i think. Then he will catch his feet and get things rollin'

[jrhky36 1]

too hard to say how babcock will do. don't know how the team will look. if i was him i'd be happy to leave the ducks, ie brian burke and sergi federov.

[Cavs019 708]

It was his choice, he rejected their offer, they didn't get rid of him.

[Miike 1]

He wanted more than the ducks were willing to give him true. Yea it is hard to say how he will do.

[Chadd 916]

It was his choice, he rejected their offer, they didn't get rid of him.

It was only a one year offer that was mostly a courtesy. He wasn't a Burke kind of guy and wasn't going to be there long term.

[jrhky36 1]

will be offical as soon as the cba is done

[wickedwrister 0]

Another kick in the nuts to Barry Smith. Not that he was the answer either, but man passed over two times. I really don't like the idea of Babcock coming over here. Detroit needs an old school coach.

[jrhky36 1]

Detroit needs an old school coach.

that is why lewis was not resigned. He was old school. they have had an old school coach(s) for the last 11 years. they wanted to get someone who is a career coach, and some one who will be able to break away from the scott era. barry smith was screwed when they hired lewis. it should have been lewis

[wickedwrister 0]

Babcock's record of 69-62 over his 2 years are not exactly #'s that expemplify Red Wing excellence. Babcock had his 15 minutes thanks to JS Gigure playing out his ass for the playoffs.

[jrhky36 1]

the announcement will be tommorrow at around 11 or 12