Twitter irate after Mike Babcock pulls Frederik Andersen at terrible time
If watching Brad Marchand fire the puck into an empty net seconds after pulling goaltender Frederik Andersen for an extra attacker late in the third period of Game 6 wasn’t enough, fans of the Toronto Maple Leafs took to Twitter to lambast Mike Babcock for the decision.
With his side down 3-2, Toronto’s head coach summoned Andersen to the bench for a sixth skater with just over two minutes remaining in the frame. At the time, the Maple Leafs were in the process of breaking into the Bruins’ defensive zone and attempting to get themselves set up for the game’s potential tying marker.
Moments later, the puck was on Marchand’s stick in the neutral zone and he fired it into the unguarded cage to secure the 4-2 victory for Boston.
.@Bmarch63 x2 to put it away 💪💪💪 #NHLBruins pic.twitter.com/YiOkpEAOB8
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) April 21, 2019
Shockingly, those who watched the sequence unfold had some thoughts about the timing of the decision.
Why the hell do you pull the goalie with 2 min left and no ozone possession? Terrible call
— Carlo Colaiacovo (@CarloColaiacovo) April 21, 2019
And it wasn’t just former NHLers who became radio personalities that were left scratching their heads and slamming their hands on keyboards.
I will never understand, why Babcock pulled Andersen, while Bruins had possession of the puck. He could of waited for us to have possession, so we could of actually had a chance.
That was one play that I will put on Babcock and I love Babs. #LeafsForever
— Becca (@_Tavares91) April 21, 2019
Okay, I’ve marinated, and I have no clue what Babcock was doing by pulling Andersen that early. #Bruins #Leafs
— Tweedledumber (@LeftyTWS15) April 21, 2019
Mike Babcock lost that game 100%. He absolutely cannot make any mistakes on Tuesday.
— Mario (@91Mario_) April 21, 2019
Game 7 should be Babcock’s last chance. If he bombs, hand him the pink slip ASAP.
I’m honestly tired of watching an incompetent, egomaniac coach our squad. #GudPro
— Those Leafs (@thosejays) April 21, 2019
There’s no doubt that plenty will be riding on Tuesday’s Game 7 in Boston.
Thankfully for Babcock, Twitter will not decide whether or not he will be keeping his job beyond this season. However, when you’re in the midst of an eight-year, $50 million contract, you have to expect to be under the microscope at all times.
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