The Fifth Liners

Finally the Detroit Red Wings have given permission for head coach Mike Babcock to begin speaking to other teams. This news has caused a wave of disillusion over Michigan because after taking home the Stanley Cup in 2008- he has become a fan favourite! But where would be the best destination for this man? Here are my top 3 choices for M.B Toronto Maple Leafs  This one is by far the bookies favourite and many were speculating this one as early as last season. As an Ontario boy at heart, this one will no doubt be in the front of Babcock's mind! But although this project may have long term potential, surely it is too much of a short term risk? The Leafs are currently going through yet another rip up and rebuild operation by Brendan Shanahan and I feel there is too much work needed to get where Babcock wants to go. Also lest we forget, the Leafs fans are not forgiving of lack of progress (no matter how many years running) and should he take the job- M.B should expect jersey's...

Detroit Red Wings will be without key player Justin Abdelkader after he was handed a 2 game ban after charging down Anaheim Ducks ' defenseman Toni Lydman . In a situation which nobody is calling 'Abdelkadergate', there is a lot of controversy about this decision. Coach Mike Babcock reckons it was a perfectly clean hit but VP of Hockey Operations and Player Safety  Brendan Shanahan thinks the hit was illegal and that the offence of charging was committed.  Either way, Akdelkader will sit out the next two games which, depending on how the results go, this could well be the end of his season.