Skip to content

Babcock explains what gives Moore, Timashov edge: 'They got big asses'

Icon Sportswire / Getty

Mike Babcock is giving the phrase "bottom of the lineup" a whole new meaning.

The Toronto Maple Leafs head coach gave an anatomical answer when asked what allows smaller skaters like Trevor Moore and Dmytro Timashov - who are both listed at 5-foot-10 - to succeed with the team.

"They got big asses," Babcock told the assembled media, including TSN, on Monday. "So they weigh a lot. You can laugh, but it's the truth. You can get under people, you can win retrieval races, you can own lanes. You have good balance."

Moore is in a five-way tie for second on the club with three goals to go along with two assists in nine games. Most recently, the 24-year-old has been playing on the Leafs' third line and second power-play unit.

Timashov has four points of his own and potted his first NHL goal in Saturday's victory over the Boston Bruins. The 23-year-old has been filling a fourth-line role after spending the last three seasons with the AHL's Toronto Marlies.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox