Coaching Staff Is Praised by Babcock

Mighty Duck Coach Mike Babcock all but runs for cover when asked about his accomplishments in his first season as coach. He insists the focus should be on the players.

He does, however, point to his coaching staff as a big reason for the Ducks’ first playoff berth since 1998-99.

Babcock was without NHL experience, as a coach or player, when he was hired. He surrounded himself with assistant coaches Lorne Henning and Paul McLean, who have been through the rigors of many NHL seasons.

Henning, who handles the penalty killing units, spent 22 seasons in the New York Islander organization and was part of three Stanley Cup champions as an assistant and one as a player. McLean, who runs the power play, spent 11 seasons as a player in the NHL with Winnipeg, Detroit and St. Louis and one as an assistant with Phoenix.

“We do everything together to come up with the right decisions,” Babcock said. “Lorne is a real good talker, enjoys people. Mac is straightforward, you’re always going to know where you stand. They are different, yet that is what makes the staff so good.”

On the technical side is Greg Carvel, who carries the title of video coordinator but is much more involved than just sitting in front of a TV screen with a remote. He has been with the Ducks for three seasons and, as a scout, is credited with identifying Andy McDonald’s potential when he was at Colgate.

“Carv is the guy who gives me the lay of the land,” Babcock said. “I’ll say, ‘Carv, what is really going on out there?’ And he tells me. We all coach the team.”

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The Ducks have given up 185 goals and probably will break the franchise record for fewest goals given up in a full regular season. They have four games left and are 13 below the franchise-low 198 they gave up last season.

Only six teams have given up fewer goals this season.

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That Ducks’ success has put Kings management n a bit of an awkward position.

At a season-ticket holder meeting with King President Tim Leiweke and General Manager Dave Taylor last week, a fan said: “ ... it’s frustrating to look down the 22 Freeway and see that horrible place, that empty hall, spending money like it’s going out of style and wondering why [the Kings], with a packed house, can’t make the same moves.”

Leiweke responded, in part, “... We spend more money than the Ducks. We will be ready for the Ducks next year.”

Taylor added, “... [The Ducks] have had a good season. They have made some strides, they have a good coach and done a good job, and that’s a team we enjoy beating.”

The Ducks and King split this season; each team won two, lost two and there was one tie.

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The Ducks recalled left wing Cam Feverson from minor league Cincinnati.