I have to admit something: it's been quite a long time since I've experienced a break up.
In a weird way, that's kind of how this entire Mike Babcock situation has felt. While there was nothing obviously wrong with the relationship between Babs and the Red Wings, the writing was on the wall that it was time for a mutual split so both parties can move on.
Looking back, it seems kind of obvious that Babcock was going to leave. There was his not signing an extension until the end of the season, his comments after the Wings' first round loss to the Lightning, then the reports coming out over the last few days of how much money he was being offered by the Sabres.