Quote (LAP4JSP @ Apr 24 2019 01:01pm)
I agree the coach is very important. Strategy is key and im also not saying a coach isnt responsible for motivating and managing players.
My issue is blaming player or management issues on Babs. I dont think Babs had a bad strategy vs the bruins, i think he did a good job with lines, minutes, matchups; the things you said made Torts good.
If you dont think so, thats more than fair.
But things like Kadri being a cock, Nylander being trash, Gardner's giveaways, or perceived motivation shouldnt be blamed on Babs, but rather the players.
Some players are rabid dog type of players, and some players arent. If you think Phil Kessel not playing hard in the corners is a coaching issue, I say thats a player issue and no coach is going to get Phil to go into a corner with Chara.
If you think someone is not motivating Kessel enough, i think your just ignoring the reality of who the player is.
Columbus is a much harder team and the leafs could never emulate that play-style. Its more than just 'motivation' and Bab's can only play with the cards he is dealt.
Nearin you even said yourself that Kadri being an idiot is Kadri's issue and a management problem. Thats my point, Babs is not management or Kadri but is somehow being blamed.
Babs can contain Kadri, but cant change him in the same way a coach will never make Phil a power forward. Also, Bab's cant trade Kadri...
If you have a problem with Bab's strategy thats 100% fair, but to say hes not a good motivator or is responsible for Jakes giveaways, and Kadri's antics .... i think thats misplaced blame.
Also we coulda traded Nyslander for a Dman and Josh Anderson... Columbus players who are actually tenacious. But Babs had to play with Nyslander instead. Thats a player fault, or a gm's fault. how is that a coach's fault?
I think it boils down to this:
We dont need less Mike Babcock and more Torts.
We need more Power forwards, strong dmen and less Kadri, Nylander, Gardiner
I could agree with most of this. Kadri being a complete idiot is his own problem. He has to control his emotions and not get lost in the heat of the moment. It is selfish and detrimental to the team. The poor decisions/mistakes that individuals made - yes that is their fault.
Nylander showed how soft he was and he looked disinterested at times. Not a good look at all. I don't blame Babs for that solely. The player has to want it to. Other players worked their asses off, so as an individual Nylander has to take blame.
Overall I am more critical over Cooper than Babcock. That being said I think it is fair to question his ice time management, strategy and coaching teqniques to some of degree if he is the losing coach. I don't expect the Leafs to be as Tenacious at CBJ. But like you said he has to work with the cards he has. I feel he could have done a better job in some aspects.