Detroit Red Wings: Mike Babcock’s Legacy Will Be Defined by 2012-13 Season

January 26th, 2013 by Matt Hutter Leave a reply »
Last June, Darryl Sutter defined his coaching legacy by leading the Los Angeles Kings to their first Stanley Cup championship.

Though Sutter has over 25 years of NHL coaching and management experience, his role as an in-season replacement for a struggling team who managed an eight-seed finish will likely be the one that defines his legacy.

Mike Babcock has coached a Stanley Cup-winning team, too.

However, his legacy, at least in Detroit hockey history, will likely be defined by his team's performance in a lockout-shortened season, amidst the loss of one hockey legend, two core players and scads of regulars downed by injuries.

Everyone the hockey-world over knew the Red Wings were going to face a serious challenge this season as soon as Nicklas Lidstrom laid his legendary career to rest last May.

Not only did Lidstrom embody the very identity of the whole of his team, at 42, he was still one of the best defensemen in the NHL.

Losing a captain is difficult enough, but losing your best player is a fate few teams can suffer and continue to succeed.

Add to this loss the departure of top-four defender Brad Stuar ...

Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
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