Confirmed with Link: Mike Babcock Hired as Oilers Head Coach | Presser

[Sheikyerbouti]

I'll remain sceptical that a leopard changes its spots at 63

The leopard made it pretty clear in the presser that he didn't need to change spots lol

 

[guymez]

That's Nurse you're thinking of.

LOL - true but at least Nurse isnt a scumbag.

 

[FlameChampion]

I'd also like to add, I was actually impressed with Bowman. Both management and the coaching are looking for a more all inclusive "TEAM" game. No more Team McDrai. So that's exactly what I was hoping to hear.

I was against the hiring initially but I'm all in now.

Its a good point. Babcock mentioned meeting McDavid, Draisaitl and Hyman. But he didn’t overly gloss on them like most coaches.

 

[Vagabond]

I had to ChatGPT it, but I know I heard this stuff early with Knob. It's ALWAYS a theme, because we all watch this team slowly fail and every coach starts playing McDrai more and more and starts to ignore the depth players.

One example from early Knob/Jackson interviews:

Nov. 20, 2023, when Sportsnet framed Knoblauch as discussing “the importance of depth players contributing every night” and how he “empowers all players” and gives them confidence. He also said he wanted to talk to “veterans and young players” and set expectations for them,

Jeff Jackson said Knoblauch “knows how to take the star players and empower them,” but “more importantly, he gives everyone a role,” with accountability.

Knoblauch’s early messaging clearly leaned toward more defined roles, more whole-lineup contribution, and confidence for depth players.



And hey, not to take away from Knob, we did look great through the lineup for a while there. But, once again, he slowly fell into the exact same habit as every other coach. And we're back again, talking about how McDrai play too much and the new guy will get more from the rest of the lineup, I guess assuming the GM actually has given players worth playing.

Thats the media "framing thier portrayal". Lol I never heard Knob say that. He's as dull as you could ever ask of from a coach. Bowman put a lot of emphasis on a collective team today and Babs as well.

Knob never really talked it other than insinuating it but barely gave a couple of games.

 

[FlameChampion]

I still think this was a stupid, risky hire. Risky to the point of recklessness. I guess Babs and the team can prove me wrong.

Maybe I don’t see it the same way. I just don’t see Babcock as that risky at this point. I think the actual risk is whether the team is good enough from a roster point.

 

[Jarvi]

We have had good luck with redemption stories, outside of Bowman. Plus, if there is one thing arrogant assholes enjoy, its proving people wrong. I think he will have this team dialled in like we havent seen.

Personally, I think everyone in the org will be fine to tolerate some "bullying" if it means a cup. And if they arent, those are the passengers Connor etc want gone

 

[VainGretzky]

well if he improves the bottom 6 by getting more production out of them it's a win because they did not put in great efforts last season

 

[Stoneman89]

McDavid, Drai and Hyman begging for this. Okay then.......

 

[Messrules11]

We’re a better team today than we were a year ago today with this hiring. Now to jettison Nurse.

 

[Jarvi]

LOL - true but at least Nurse isnt a scumbag.

Roope Hintz would disagree

 

[BlackDogg]

Going to be a photo finish to every practice.

 

[bellagiobob]

I'd also like to add, I was actually impressed with Bowman. Both management and the coaching are looking for a more all inclusive "TEAM" game. No more Team McDrai. So that's exactly what I was hoping to hear.

I was against the hiring initially but I'm all in now.

In theory that sound great. In reality when our bottom 6 don't produce, Babs will overplay McDrai, much like every single other coach has done in the past.

 

[BoldNewLettuce]

Im actually charmed by Mike Babcocks bullshit answer.

Q; when stan bowman was cleared and subsequently hired he had various testimonies and affidavits supporting the work that he put in. Have you done the same? (paraphrased)

A; well I have children who like to tell me im a piece of shit. Therefore It's the staff around me whos job it is to make sure im not that (paraphrased)

 

[ohheyhemsky]

Loved hearing about his kids and how they're adults, or how Steve Yzerman is his friend while looking like if coffee breath was a person.

 

[FlameChampion]

Loved hearing about his kids and how they're adults, or how Steve Yzerman is his friend while looking like if coffee breath was a person.

I love how they talk about Yzerman. It’s not like Detroit didn’t have loaded rosters.

 

[ohheyhemsky]

I love how they talk about Yzerman. It’s not like Detroit didn’t have loaded rosters.

"I'm only good at coaching stacked teams with basically no holes."

Cool, thanks Babcock.

 

[Cyclones Rock]

McDavid, Draisaitl, and Hyman are the players who met with Babcock.

Did they leave their phones in their cars???

 

[Zerotonine]

He's definitely an interesting guy to listen too, nice to have coach who will actually speak

I've been screaming for this for years, also someone not only with a backbone but passionately. But babcock definitely wasnt who I was hoping for

Im warming up to it.... the more people seem to hate it the more I think its gonna work out

 

[Heavy Dee]

Nvm

 

[BudBundy]

McDavid, Drai and Hyman begging for this. Okay then.......

View attachment 1258168

I’ve yet to hear them explain why they’ll listen to Babcock but didn’t listen when it was Tippett or McLellan. And I guess Woody and Knobby were just nobodies who were telling them to stop playing defence.

 

[BudBundy]

Roope Hintz would disagree

Why? Because Nurse slashed him on the foot guarding the slot? Mess with the D in the slot and you get the horns. Same as it ever was since pro hockey began.

 

[Arpeggio]

What I got from the press conference is that the Babcock Edmonton is getting is exactly the same Babcock that Detroit, Toronto, and Columbus (almost) had. If that’s what they wanted, that’s what they’re gonna get.

I also think it’s a little bit weird that Nuge and Bouchard weren’t named as leaders on the team that Babcock would’ve met with.

Ultimately I think this season rides on whatever Bowman does in the next couple of weeks much more than who’s coaching. If the team is deeper, I think they’ll have a good season. If the plan is to run back the same roster with less disparity in ice time, they’ll get killed.

 

[harpoon]

Mike Babcock is the exact same person and hasn't reflected on anything for a second.

Good call. Might as well just give up then.

 

[redgrant]

That press conference was beyond embarrassing for edmonton media.

Modano chelios marner kronwall kadri to name very very few have commented on his toxic behaviour.

Why didn't a single person ask Bowman why he deserves an umpteenth chance when Bowman was hired saying he's going to protect players?

 

[redgrant]

Why? Because Nurse slashed him on the foot guarding the slot? Mess with the D in the slot and you get the horns. Same as it ever was since pro hockey began.

Yup and slash him on the foot they take out Hyman soon after. Same as it ever was since pro hockey you take out one of our best players we take out yours.