By Stevo, AllHabs.net
Recently, I got really upset with Jacques Martin’s benching of P.K. Subban. I got so upset, I wrote a letter to Jacques Martin. It should be noted, I purchased a six pack of beer before writing the letter, and by the time I was done writing, there wasn’t any beer left.
Beer #1:
Dear Jacques Martin,
I am taking the time to write to you with regard to a situation that has been bothering me about my beloved Montreal Canadiens. More precisely, P.K. Subban. My numerous letters to Pierre Gauthier have gone unanswered, and I’m hoping to get a little more openness from you.
Subban, who I understand is only a rookie has been one of the Canadiens’ best defensemen this season. I will agree his play is a little messy at times, but overall, he’s played very well in his first season, is second in scoring amongst Habs’ defensemen with nine points (1 G, 8 A) and is third in ice time averaging over 20 minutes per game.
Mr. Martin, in Subban’s worst game of the season, against the Edmonton Oilers (the last one he played before being penalized to the press box), you allowed him to accumulate over 25 minutes of ice time? I question why you did not choose to lower his ice time, before deciding it was time to sit him in the press box.
Perhaps you were simply looking for an excuse to put Weber in there?
Beer #2
So here’s what I think Jacques: I think this could affect his confidence. You wanted to send him a message, I get that. I don’t agree with sitting him out one game, but I was ready to accept it.
Two games in my opinion was pushing it, Jacques. Based on his ice time, his deployment on the power play and penalty kill, Subban is obviously the Canadiens’ third best defensemen, so is it really necessary to extend the penalty to two games?
Three games now? All of a sudden, people are rallying behind you under the pretext that the Canadiens are winning? I don’t buy into this winning lineup thing I’m sorry to say. Were the Canadiens not able to win games with Subban in the lineup? Will they not win games with Subban in the lineup down the road? Come on Jacques, put him back into the lineup!
Oh and, what’s this talk about creating competition between Subban and Weber? You’re talking about how healthy this could be for both of them and even drew a comparison to Price and Halak. I think the interest should be into creating a seven man competition, in order to get the best out of everyone. Maybe I’m reading a little too much into your comparison, but did the competition between Price and Halak not lead to the departure of one of the two? Anyways…
Something obviously happened, we just don’t know about it… yet…
Beer #3… Beer #4
So I’m friggin sick of this Jack. I can call you Jack right? So here it is Jack, stop it. OVER. Put him back in, it’s the Red Wings dammnit. You want him to be all scared and sit back and emotionless when he comes back? Screwing with the confidence man… We need him wild. He doesn’t need to tone down a notch, he just needs to control his craziness!
What if he comes back and he’s scared? What then? Sit him out again? Can’t friggin believe this… you already screwed up O’Byrne, and now you’re doing the same to Subban. I hate you Jack.
You don’t like rookies and we all know it, it’s no secret, you’re a veterans coach, old school who can’t adapt…..
Beer #5
Here kitty kitty, here kitty kitty…
Good kitty :)
What the? Oh yeah, the letter…
Beer #6
I’m soooooooo sorry, I hope you weren’t waiting too long, forgot was writing this lettter. I love you man. You’re a good good coach, I mean it buddy. You have a winning record.
Don’t know ow you do it, I keep saying I don’t like your ways, and somehow the team winners, and I love you for. That.
So, Jacky, Jacky Martini!!!! Serious, play P.K. okay? (Hahaha, PK OK). So just do it, okay? He’s awesome, and he spins, and has a hard shot. Love you man…
Write back to me, Jacky Martini, waiting here.
Sincere Me,
– Stevo
(Graphic: André Pichette, La Presse)