from Damien Cox of the Toronto Star,

A few NHL cities have this habit of trashing the reputation of a player, a coach or a GM when they leave town. Boston is notable in this regard, with the departures of Phil Kessel and Dougie Hamilton the most glaring examples in recent years of this proclivity to not just wave farewell but to also make sure someone’s reputation is besmirched on the way out.

Toronto can be like this now and then, and we’re seeing a bit of it right now with Mike Babcock. There are those who wish to demonstrate that Babcock isn’t just a bad coach, but also truly a bad person. Evil, really. A thoroughly awful man. Somebody Adam Schiff should really be investigating.

It’s unnecessary to put the boots to the man when he’s down. But it’s interesting to wonder why he never acquired widespread affection in the public and the media around here during his four-and-a-half years....

For Keefe, this week offers just about the ideal menu for the rookie coach to get off to a blazing start. First, there are two full days of practice to get his systems in place, followed by a game in Detroit on Wednesday against the hapless Red Wings, currently the worst team in the NHL.

The Wings have only won four of 12 at home so far, and have allowed the most goals in the league while scoring only 59 times themselves. Only two teams have fewer goals.

So that Wednesday game is perfect situation for Keefe to start with three straight wins.

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