Overwhelmingly Positive About His Time In Detroit, Babcock Does Have A Few Regrets
By Ashley Dunkak
@AshleyDunkak
DETROIT - All in all, Mike Babcock characterizes his 10 years with the Detroit Red Wings as fantastic. However, when asked Friday whether he has any regrets about his tenure, the longtime Red Wings head coach - now the head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs - came up with a few.
The first regret he mentioned was comical - "I would have put a pool in when I first arrived."
From there, the coach became serious. He referenced his reputation for being hard on players, the team's early exit from the playoffs this season, and the missed opportunity to win a Stanley Cup in 2009.
"Did I cross the line at times with a player or not treat the media right one day? Sure," Babcock said. "I would've liked to have won Game 7. We did everything we could. We prepared as hard as we could. I thought we would have won back-to-back Cups if Pav didn't get hurt that year. We didn't."
For 10 years, it is a rather short list, which seems fitting given the franchise's success under Babcock.
"What I like is that we gave ourself a chance," Babcock said. "We knocked on the door year after year after year and created a lot of excitement in the town. I think the fans are proud of us here. I think the people are proud of us. I think we've done a real nice job.
"If you want, you can look for something negative," Babcock added. "I don't know where it is. You'd have to try pretty hard."
Babcock spoke with Detroit media in the dressing room at Joe Louis Arena, and as he talked he held a newspaper clipping from his first day on the job and a photo of him with legendary Red Wings from two generations - Steve Yzerman and Gordie Howe. Babcock had found the items while cleaning out his office.
"You've been here 10 years, you need to clean out your office," Babcock said. "Normally, what I did early – because you're scared you're getting fired every day when you first start – you put two pictures on the wall. You want to be able to get out fast. Then as you get a little more comfortable you end up with more crap in your office, so I'm going through the garbage cans here today."
Babcock was emotional in his press conference, but he indicated the Red Wings are in good hands. Babcock referred to Ken Holland as the best general manager in the league, bar none, and he spoke highly of his likely successor, Grand Rapids Griffins head coach Jeff Blashill.
"The best CEOs and companies, they have a succession plan," Babcock said. "I think that's what Ken Holland's done is just keep building people … giving people opportunities.
"[Blashill]'s ready to be an NHL coach," Babcock continued. "If he's not in Detroit he's going to be somewhere else for sure, and he's trained all these guys that are his kids. You know what's interesting is I'm pumped for him if he gets the opportunity – well, he's getting one opportunity for sure."
