300 in 6: a Significant Achievement for Babcock
FollowCoach Mike Babcock is nothing if not intense. From the moment he stepped on the ice in Traverse City for the 2005 Detroit Red Wings training camp, he set the tone for the veteran team. Babcock is an intense and demanding coach who runs his practices like a drill sergeant. That being said, he’s delivered nothing but results in his six years as coach for the Red Wings.
His 600 regular season wins in just six seasons puts him in impressive company that includes former Red Wings coach Scotty Bowman and Glen Sather. He’s also coached the team to a Stanley Cup championship back in 2008 and came a game away in 2009 after losing in game seven to Pittsburgh.
His achievement did not draw major headlines in the press likely because it was overshadowed by the talent of the Red Wings or the view that winning with Detroit’s roster would be easy for any coach. If there is one thing Detroit has learned over the years, is talent alone does not win championships. A veteran team needs a fiery coach who can instill discipline and get the players to play like a team.
Babcock has been consistently force behind the bench coming up with new coaching methodologies, while also learning from his mentors. His passion and intensity for the game are unmatched 300 wins later and the Red Wings hope he stays that way.