Babcock wants the Maple Leafs to be feared

Fear is the ultimate compliment to Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock.

Prior to Wednesday night's contest against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Lightning head coach Jon Cooper explained what it was like to coach against Babcock and what his teams usually bring to the table.

"Just in my short time in the League, any time we play teams coached by Mike they work hard and they're tight checking and they, more often than not, play the game the right way," Cooper said. "That's why he's been as successful as he has. I watched the game (Tuesday) and I watched a Toronto team that probably deserved a better fate."

Babcock was later asked about Cooper's comments and though he respects the praise from his peers, he admits he would rather a much different reaction from his opponents.

Until then the Maple Leafs are a team that sits in a three-way tie with the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Edmonton Oilers with the fewest points in the league this season.