This season started flat and only got worse as it went on. The breaking point was the Toronto Maple Leafs losing 6 games in a row.
Watching from afar, it was clear the Leafs needed a shakeup. They just seemed to be out of sync and unmotivated. The Leafs were riddled with sloppy defensive coverage and no confidence. Toronto had lost its high powered offensive identity.
When it comes to coaching, its important to hire stability, trustworthiness and a structure. Mike Babcock had that in spades, plus the confidence and swagger in his decisions. Babcock was a polarizing coach, you either love him or hate him.