I don't know many people who expected the Wings not to make the playoff but the question was definitely up in the air if their playoff streak was to come to an end. As for the Jack Adams, Babcock didn't have as good a season as those 3 who were nominated and I woulden't even put him in the top 5. I'd have Columbus' and Montreal's coaches ahead of him but that doesn't go to say that he is not an amazing coach if not the best coach in the NHL. Pretty sure this comes up once ever 3 months with you but I'll direct you to the best coach in NHL history who only won two Jack Adams awards in his very lengthy career. The award doesn't mean much besides certain guys having an incredible season. I think he could/should have won the award in 05-06, 06-07, 07-08, 08-09 but these last 2 years he didn't deserve a nomination for his regular season work over the guys who did get nominated.
Also it's voted on by the hockey broadcasters and half of them are homer morons