Mike Babcock on lefty-righty balance: “There was a guy who won seven Norris’ named Nik who would always say to me, ‘Why wouldn’t you put the guy who makes all the plays on his forehand?’ It’s a great question”

Babcock implies later in the interview that he prefers the more skilled player (Morgan Rielly) on his strong side where he can make plays on his forehand, but that starting a new player off in a new team where he’s comfortable — meaning, Jake Muzzin on the left — makes sense to start with.

How important is it to have 33 games to get Jake into the lineup and get him integrated as you move towards the warmer weather?

Babcock: For sure, it helps a lot. Muzz is a big, steady, smart guy who has not got a lot of flash to his game but just does things right and is really going to help our team.