Auston Matthews like any NHL player wants to see as much ice time as possible. Some players have it easy and some have to battle it out with their coach over stopping the clock too early.
Here’s what you missed as Coach Babcock was asked about ice time for Auston Matthews:
I think each guy should manage his team the best way he can. But there’s no question, I think he and John, to be as good as they’re capable of being, should be right around the 19-minute mark. Some nights they’re going to be 18, some nights they’re going to be 20, but I think that’s where (Matthews is) the best, for sure. He’s an important part. I think he’s earned the right over time as he’s gotten better and better to earn more and more. A big part of the game is you earning what you get. Your teammates respect that, and Auston’s done a real good job in that area
Jerry knows, Jerry always knows and Jerry has questions.
What’s Matthews supposed to do, just as the fourth line is getting ready, jump over and call his own shots? What is he supposed to stay on the ice like he’s Brett Hull for 3-minute shifts until he scores?
Last season Auston Matthews was the 33rd ranked forward in average ice time per game (18:33 per). WAY TOO LOW!
So, why does Babcock get so set in his ways? Why is he so concerned to play his 4th line centre so much? What’s the reasoning for not considering a consistent boost for a stretch of the season? Why is the fourth line jumping over the boards for an offensive zone faceoff when the team is down a goal in the third period? It happens way more than you think.
Why isn’t he leaning on the big horses when he needs them the most? Remember when the Leafs were trailing during elimination games last playoffs and Babcock was playing Zach Hyman on one leg instead of double shifting Matthews with Marner and Tavares.
It’s not an easy job and especially in the Toronto market, however, you can try to simplify it as much as possible for at least some consideration. Sports are a copy cat business and Mike Babcock needs to look directly at the Pittsburgh Penguins who have employed two of the best centres in the game for over a decade and rarely have we ever heard a peep about ice-time issues. They’ve won 3 cups, maybe it actually works? Your complimentary pieces will fill in exactly where they need to. Just ask guys like Kunitz, Dupuis, Fedotenko, Kennedy and a game 7 hero Max Talbot, I’m sure they would all agree you need to ride your best and go from there. Babs hasn’t seen the second round in ages, maybe it’s time for the head coach to open up his mindset to change.
Sidney Crosby has been under 19 minutes of ice time only 3 times in his 14-year career. Sid’s first three seasons he averaged 20:08, 20:46, 20:51. Evgeni Malkin, on the other hand, averaged 19:10, 21:19, 22:31. Imagine this Leafs fans – less shifts for guys like Freddie Gauthier (nothing against the Goat) and more minutes for superstars like Auston Matthews or John Tavares.
If Mike Babcock is going to play Auston Matthews under 19 minutes a game this season, and the Maple Leafs struggle, expect to see Kyle Dubas and company make changes. Early on the Maple Leafs will pay close attention to what they have in Alexander Kerfoot and Jason Spezza. From there even if the results are positive, Auston Matthews should not be given less opportunity than 32 forwards across the league. Mike Babcock needs to find some more minutes for #34.
Ever since the meeting in Arizona when Matthews made it clear to his head coach he wants more ice time, GM Kyle Dubas has kept a close eye on the matter. As we stand today, Coach Babcock is halfway through his contract with the Maple Leafs and the pressure to win is on now, more than ever. The window is currently wide open for the Maple Leafs to breeze through the regular season and continue on and win 16 games in the NHL’s second season. And winning is a lot easier when you play your best players.
Try that, Coach.
ICYMI:
Mr. Blundell, in my humble opinion, you are way out of line in your comments on Mike Babcock…
He is the best hockey coach in the NHL… His accomplishments far exceed any other coach in the NHL (perhaps with the exception of Scotty Bowman).
What are your accomplishments in comparison that you feel gives you the right to post what you did…
I was a die hard Detroit Red Wings fan until Mike came on board with Toronto. He converted me to become a Toronto Maple Leafs Fan – and I have been a Leafs fan since…
Mike has done more than any other Toronto coach since he came on board…
Mike Babcock will be absolutely instrumental in bringing a long awaited Stanley Cup to Toronto – and in my estimate this will occur next season…
Who do you think you are to put him down with your post? What are your credentials to do this? And in the end over really what you are claiming is maybe 2 minutes per game for Austin??? Really – like maybe 1 to 2 shifts??? Mike has a TON MORE experience than you!!!
And he has a TON of talent at his disposal to balance… And most importantly he has seconds to minutes to make decisions – unlike your “UNLIMITED” amount of time here on the internet to berate him…
Btw – have to spoken with Austin to garner what he thinks????? Or, is this your opinion without talking to both sides…
GO LEAFS GO!!!! 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Thanks for visiting, Anthony. Dean didn’t write the article, and I was wondering how many playoff series’ has Coach Babcock won in the last 10 years?
Wow thanks for coming out Anthony but you sure are narrow minded. Never ever is a person above criticism, specially when they make what he does. Just cuz you don’t like what is said does not make it untrue. I too love Babcock but one has too question the amount of talent that he has had the last two years and to not make it to the second round is questionable at least. Not looking at all possible avenues for success is pure ignorance. But you and Babs can just sit in your little glass bubble all you like, have fun golfing.
Last season Auston Matthews was the 33rd ranked forward in average ice time per game (18:33 per). WAY TO LOW!
It should be: WAY TOO LOW
Babcock is too set in his ways. He can’t adapt, we saw this against the Bruins the first time they faced off then again the second time. He made costly mistakes and as you already pointed out relies waaaay to much on rotating the lines. Matthews had 5 goals in the first round and in roughly the same amount of ice time Marleau had none. Gotta rely on your big guns, and the leafs have quite a few.
I’m with you Austin needs more time. He can score from almost anywhere near the circle. Why go to fourth liners when you need s goal. Well it’s Stupid. C’mon Babs wake up.
Sorry Babcock u are not the right guy for Toronto figure u would be but your not so good what u think u are Toronto should let u go plus they payed u way way to much for what lol
O’Keefe is the future coach and the coach for a modern team IMHO..Babs needs to be shipped out if he fails again this year. The time frame for winning is NOW.
All that money Mike and you still can’t get it right.This Toronto not Detroit l can throw a bantam coach and get right Give your star players more ice time will I get to see them make the finals in my lifetime