I never thought I would say this because at the time I was one of his biggest haters...

[sparxx87]

Babcock wasn't the right coach for the team, but it doesn't mean he was the only issue with it. It's not a black and white situation.

Either way, I don't miss him and his BS mind games like benching Spezza for no reason one bit.

Spezza didn’t really have a role at that point and wasn’t handed a spot.

What was different about Dermott being benched for Sandin? Dermott earned his ice all year and along with Bogosian made their 3rd pair a steady strength which played a big part in improved team defense. He deserved to keep his spot but unfairly lost it.

...Keefe benched him for a PPQB who isn’t ready to play defense in the NHL playoffs to try and hide the fact he can’t coach a PP.

I like Sandin but he’s still got a lot to work on. Defenseman who aren’t very good skaters and aren’t physically strong will really struggle to defend in this league.

 

[Aus34Matt]

I agree with you -- they are a big part of the problem. But Babcock wasn't perfect either. Do I think Babcock is a better coach than Keefe? Of course. Do I think Babcock should have been fired? No. But if the young kids loathed him and tuned him out; it's easier to fire the coach than trade 7-8 players.

Screw them. I'm sure Dermott no longer feel the same either about Keefe after getting benched over Sandin.

 

[FraumBallard]

Leafs could win Game 7 and smoke WPG. In fact Leafs could have easily won the first game, if not for some flukey plays. Leafs could have won both these OT games as well. MTL is being dominated and Price is keeping them in it. There is nothing special about the Habs. Like a fighter losing on points getting dummied, but manages to throw a punch as the other fighter trips, and knocks him out.

Ya.
Nothing special about the Leafs either.