Mike Babcock Gets 500th Win as Detroit Beats Rangers
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Dave Reginek/NHLI via Getty Images(DETROIT, Mich.) — Mike Babcock earned his 500th coaching win on Saturday night when the Detroit Red Wings defeated the New York Rangers 3-2 at Joe Louis Arena. The Rangers (11-10-4, 26pts) led 2-0 after the first period, but Detroit (16-6-5, 37pts) took a lead on Darren Helm’s wrist-shot in the third.
“That was huge. It showed a lot of character by our guys. A lot of heart,” goalie Jimmy Howard said after his 13th win of the year. “We found a way. That’s all that matters.”
New York jumped on the board when Kevin Klein beat Howard less than ten minutes into the game. Rick Nash followed with his 17th goal of the game just five minutes later. Riley Sheahan and Luke Glendening each scored within 61 seconds, tying the game at 2-2 after two periods. That helped set up Helm’s heroics in the third, while Howard kept the Rangers from finding an equalizer.
Howard made 27 saves in the win that helped Babcock tie Hall of Famer Toe Blake for 18th all-time. Babcock is the longest-tenured coach in the NHL, leading the Red Wings to the 2008 Stanley Cup while also winning two Olympic Gold Medals with Canada.
“When you start in the league you’re hoping to coach 82 games. Just hoping to get through and not get fired. I’ve coached a lot of good players,” Babcock said. “I love it as much and maybe more than the day I started and maybe they’ll let me keep doing it.”
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