It's been proven many times over in years past. Coaches in any sport will say just about anything to work over game officials. Hockey is no different.During a chat with the media prior to Sunday's Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals, Detroit Red Wings coach Mike Babcock uncharacteristically said a bit too much. He was talking about Penguins captain Sidney Crosby, and apparently mistook him for assistant captain Evgeni Malkin.
Babcock was commenting on the much-discussed matchup between Crosby and Red Wings two-way ace Henrik Zetterberg (all Zetterberg so far, by the way), and he dropped quite a bomb on the assembled media.
"I thought he went head-hunting right off the top (in Game 1)," Babcock said of Crosby. "I think that's a game within the game. If you're a hockey purist and you like superstars who bring it, that's a nice matchup."The coach of the defending Stanley Cup champions was quick after the game to offer an apology.
"I misspoke or I didn't speak well," Babcock said. "To me, speaking unfairly about Sidney Crosby is wrong. That wasn't my intention. It's an unfair comment on a classy player who plays hard."I'm far from the biggest Sidney Crosby fan on the planet. That said, about the last thing I would call Crosby is a "headhunter."
Babcock knows he did wrong. This isn't meant to scold him. He's usually pretty good with the media, and he isn't at all known for saying stupid stuff to get attention. If anything, this should show how hard coaches will work to get the attention of the officials.
If saying something like this gets Sid called for a hook or a dive at some point in the series, it will be worth any negativity thrown Babcock's way over the comment. Power plays appear to be at quite a premium in this year's Finals, and that might put more pressure on the two coaches to work officials for all they can get.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
6-01-2009 @ 12:41PM
toyfull1 said...
sindy crosby gave zetterberg a cross check to the back of his head during a scrum in front of osgood (no call of course) ...unsure of the exact time, but probably during first period game one (roll the tape)
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6-01-2009 @ 2:29PM
steelers64fan said...
You're going to complain of one no-call? Detroit has been getting away with so many non-called interference calls that even the announcers in game 2 mentioned it. It looks like the Refs are letting the play go back to the old days when the Devils would smother players and not let them move, which is why the interference rule was created.
6-01-2009 @ 5:44PM
davidmaco812 said...
Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and the pens team have been getting away with murder! & they will be the down fall of the league! sad very sad!
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6-02-2009 @ 11:32AM
steelers64fan said...
How are two young superstars that just want to be able to skate freely and not be held by goons all the time going to ruin the game? The only way to stop them is to hold them illegally. Sure, everybody breaks a rule, like Malkin getting called in game 2. But they do add excitement to the game and that's what fans want. Just like the days of Mario and Wayne. I guess they ruined the game too.
6-01-2009 @ 7:38PM
shummey327 said...
nobody likes the Redwings except for the wannabe fans in Detroit. They are like he Patrits of hockey. Oh speaking of Football. How about the Lions. screw you Redwing fans. you are a bunch of cry babies.
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6-01-2009 @ 8:31PM
plaudenbach said...
Shummey, anybody ever tell you that YOU'RE A LOSER??!! Red Wings have one of the largest followings in the NHL, despite coming from a rapidly-dwindling market. And why is it that there always has to be some MORON who has to bring up the economy or the Lions to insult Detroiters?? Stick to the topic (HOCKEY!)or go elsewhere. The only one crying here is you...
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6-01-2009 @ 11:10PM
barry said...
OK shummy I dont usually respond to ignorant rants yet you chaffed my behind with yours. First off lets compare our teams 1st Steelers/Lions. Hands down your football team is one of if not the class of the NFL Rooney family first rate. Tigers/Pirates Goin with the Tigs, last WS apearance 06 last for the bucco's 79 steriod boy couldnt throw out bream (who is slower than my mother)about 18 yrs ago. wings/pens well 2-0 and beat you last year. Read all the fans from the western keystone state saying pens in 4 lmao! and finally pistons /--- oh thats right your sorry assed city can't even get a basketball team!! And finally I'm sure the economy in western Penn. is booming Think I'll pack my stuff and move there right away! Have fun being runner's up again! Go Wings!
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6-02-2009 @ 12:50AM
#1 Steeler Fan! said...
Oh and like the economy in Detroit is booming, or haven't you noticed all the car dealers shutting down putting thousands out of work. I would rather live in a small market city like Pittsburgh that supports their teams they have win or lose. Who really cares about basketball anyway, a bunch of idiots running up and down the court beating each other up in the process. Only unintelligent people with nothing better to say resort to name calling.
6-01-2009 @ 11:29PM
Paul said...
plaudenbach, and barry, I like your style...well said. I'm not a ditto person, but DITTO. go wings.
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6-02-2009 @ 12:01PM
Joe said...
Crosby named one of 3 finalist for the Mark Messier award. Not bad for someone who you all consider a cry baby head hunter...And not bad for a 21 year old!
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6-02-2009 @ 12:47PM
Mr. Robinson said...
Stevie Y, Mario, Lidstrom or Sid? Who would be the last one chosen to wear the "C". Sid can play, but as a leader, I think not! Wings in 5!!!
6-02-2009 @ 1:27PM
Dlmc said...
So question for all you Crosby haters, how many times a season do you actually watch him play? Obviously not too many. Try watching as a true hockey fan instead of with your jealousy filled hatred. Maybe then you will see him as the 21 year old super star he is. Makes you all sound like idiots, honestly!
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