Mike Babcock regrets this huge decision!

Being a coach is a work of art sometimes. You have to motivate your players, make sure your system is tight and modulate your strategy around your opponent. 

However, sometimes being a good coach can actually backfire. Mike Babcock is widely considered as one of the current best coaches in the league, but he also led the Canadian team last summer through the World Cup. Canada won the tournament in dramatic fashion against team Europe, but one guy turned out to be the hero of the day when he scored the game winning goal to clinch the title. His name is Brad Marchand and you've probably heard about him these days. 

Babcock had pretty interesting comments about him today, prior to the next matchup between his Maple Leafs and the Bruins on Monday. He said: 

“He’s been a good player for a long time. He didn’t arrive in the league with the accolades of some other guys. He’s earned his way. He was a real good [expletive]-disturber, energy guy, penalty killer and then his offence has come.''

These comments were flattering. However, now Marchand's among the very bests in the league but he plays for the enemy. Babcock added this about his controversial decision to match Marchand with Crosby and Bergeron last summer which fired him up for the following NHL season.  

“I shouldn’t have. I should have played him on the fifth line. Sucked a little life out of him.”

Basically, poor coach Babcock created a monster by motivating Marchand to the highest level! A story that shows how good coaches can make a huge difference for players.