Lewis ousted, Babcock chosen as Red Wings Coach

[UrbScotty]

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20050714/ap_on_sp_ho_ne/hkn_red_wings_babcock_6

The new-look Detroit Red Wings will have a new-look coach. Mike Babcock, who led the Anaheim Mighty Ducks to the Stanley Cup finals two years ago, agreed to terms Thursday and will replace Dave Lewis in a time of transition for both the NHL and the Red Wings.

For the past decade, Detroit has been a team of future Hall of Famers with hefty paychecks. Now they will be vastly different after the agreement reached Wednesday to end the league's lockout, which features a salary cap with a ceiling of $39 million.

The 42-year-old Babcock will be asked to develop youthful stars while putting a charge into the remaining veterans — a group that might include longtime captain Steve Yzerman and forward Brendan Shanahan.

<snip>

Lewis signed a one-year contract in June of last year, only a few months before the NHL lockout began. Lewis' contract with Detroit and Babcock's contract with Anaheim expired on June 30.

[LisaM]

1. They'd better not get rid of Shanny...

Sorry, it can't happen.

[democrat_patriot]

2. Or Stevie Y!!!!

That may be my heart talking, but he's been there for so long, it wouldn't be the wings.

Let's Go Red Wings!!

[LisaM]

3. Stevie Y would retire before playing somewhere else

I'm looking for him to take a big cut in salary and play out one more year, then coach.

Shanny is the spirit of the team - great personality (and good looking too!)