Toronto Maple Leafs: Mike Babcock Hasn’t Changed

The Toronto Maple Leafs have lost their second game in as many nights to the Ottawa Senators.

Other than Auston Matthews scoring two goals and Rasmus Sandin being great in his opening pre-season game, there really hasn’t been much to talk about around the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Except for the head coach, Mike Babcock.

Most Leaf fans were hoping that he would come into this season, and just maybe, not be as stubborn as he’s been in the past. After what happened in game seven, against Boston, everyone needed that hope, especially me.

Now we’re going into our third pre-season game, nothing has changed and all hope was thrown out the window.

Game 1:

There wasn’t really much to watch in this game. John Tavares’ line was one concern, and there were a couple other players to watch. Jeremy Bracco who’s looking to steal a spot on the third, or fourth line, Jordan Schmaltz who looked decent in his first outing and Frederik Andersen, who had a decent first game (after his amazing save in the opening minutes).

There’s one person that wasn’t in the list of players who had a decent game too. That person is, Jason Spezza.

For what his job is entails, he wasn’t a bad fourth-line centre at all. Spezza was creating chances, he got himself open for opportunities and his game was up-to-par. But Babcock didn’t think so, “he (Spezza) is trying to figure out if he’s interested, and we’re doing the same.”

A lot of Leaf fans thought Spezza had a good outing, which he did. It’s not like he was horrible or hard to watch. He was decent for the age he’s at. He may not have the foot speed anymore, but he still has the brains.

Game 2:

This game was a little different. The Leafs top players were on display, including the Auston Matthews line, with William Nylander and Andreas Johnsson. There was Morgan Rielly, and Cody Ceci, who had a decent game overall. Rasmus Sandin and Timothy Liljegren, who were a treat to watch. 

There was also ex-Ottawa Senator, Ben Harpur, who was, well, a treat to watch in a different way.

In the first period, Connor Brown flew by Harpur to enter the Leafs zone. Later in the game, he would join the rush, then eventually lose the puck, which is what all Leaf fans like to see.

Then, after the game, Babcock was asked about how he thought the team did, then praised the new defenseman, “Harpur did his job for us, I was impressed with him.”

Now Mike, I understand that people watch hockey differently, and I’m sure a fan like me watches it a whole lot different than you, but Harpur most definitely did not “do his job for us“. I didn’t think he played well, and you mean to tell me, you did?

I don’t know anymore.

After how the last season ended, I was frustrated with Babcock. Then the start of training camp happened, and I was excited. Yet this happens, and it feels like we’re back in April. I thought he would’ve changed.

The Spezza quote is one thing because Babcock may still be seeing how Spezza fits, but the Harpur quote? Harpur was not good at all, and you mean to tell me that he did his job, while you were also impressed?

This is why I was frustrated last season, nothing changes. Other than Nylander, who’s now on Matthews’ line, there isn’t much that’s changed in the past year.

Somehow, I’m near my final straw with Babcock and we haven’t even entered the regular season yet. Is that a bad thing? Probably. I just hope for my sake, and everyone else’s, Babcock picks a team that gives us the opportunity to win, without bringing his stubbornness along with it.