Is Mike Babcock too soft? #MyColumn

When Mike Babcock was hired this offseason, culture change was promised. He was going to work these guys. Pound them into being better players and better human beings. But so far, his coddling of skill players and lack of grit leaves a lot to be desired. For someone who talked a lot of game, he hasn’t risen to the occasion.

It’s like Mike thinks that his reputation alone is going to do the work for him. Maybe Mike hasn’t heard the old expression: it’s not how big your reputation is, it’s how you use it. And he hasn’t used it well at all. 

In the game against the Sabres, Nazem Kadri had a beautiful assist. The only problem is that it was on Evander Kane’s goal. Evander Kane plays for the other team. And instead of lambasting Kadri like he should have, Mike Babcock did the opposite. As a fan, this was hard to swallow.

With a name like Mike Babcock, it’s disappointing that he’s this soft. He should have been so mad that he was throbbing. Instead, disappointment. 

I’d like Mike Babcock to be hard on these players. This isn’t his first time. He’s in the thick of it and needs to show these players some real accountability. It’s been a long time coming, and they need to be shown who’s boss.

This is a big season for the Leafs. A monster one. This is the season when our boys become men, and so far Babcock is dropping the ball. Maybe Babcock is being a lot harder on the players in private, but ding dong Mike, time is running out. 

They’re 20th in PIMs. Their PK is 27th. Matt Hunwick, who leads the team in blocked shots, is 34th in the league. This is all junk. 

Who does all this softness remind you of? That’s right: Phil Kessel, the guy who ate hot dogs every day.

There’s no beating around the bush: Mike needs to stick it to these players. They have to dig deep, and grip their sticks. Another piece of advice: Stop shooting so much. Clearly, they are getting too excited and just shooting wherever and whenever they want. That’s a lot of rubber. It only matters if you score. Quality over quantity, boys.

If Mike Babcock gets harder and wins us a Cup, then I will personally erect a statue in his name.

Oh and call up Willie Nylander.