By Stevo, AllHabs.net
MONTREAL, QC. — Has the whole entire hockey world gone bonkers over P.K. Subban? It seems that not a Canadiens’ game goes by without Subban being a subject of discussion in one way or another, whether it be good or bad. (Depending on which side of the argument you’re on)
Records
This past Sunday, in a game against the Wild in Minnesotta, Subban did what few could have predicted he would do in his rookie season. Not only did he have a four point night, but he became the first rookie Canadiens’ defenseman to record a hat-trick (three goals) within the same game.
Harry Cameron holds the overall record for goals in a game by a Canadiens’ defenseman, with four. He achieved this way back on March 3 1920, in a 16-3 victory over Quebec.
Subban’s point total for the season now stands at 11 goals and 24 assists, for a total of 35 points, ahead of all rookie defensemen. The record for most goals by a Canadiens’ rookie defenseman in a season is held by Guy Lapointe (15). Lapointe also holds the record for most goals by Canadiens’ defenseman in a season (28). The record for most points by a Canadiens’ defenceman in a season is held by Larry Robinson (85).
Calder?
So where does this put P.K. Subban with regards to Calder trophy consideration, awarded the NHL’s to rookie for the season? No where really.
The fact of the matter is that three players pretty much have their nominations in the bag. They are Jeff Skinner (25 goals, 27 assists) of the Carolina Hurricanes, Logan Couture (27 goals, 21 assists) of the San Jose Sharks and Michael Grabner (30 goals, 16 assists) of the New York Islanders.
Subban’s 11 goals and 24 assists don’t quite put him in that category, not to say that he isn’t having a great season. Yet Subban continues to rub people the wrong way. Just ask Vincent Lecavalier.
Lecavalier Saga:
We all know what happened last Thursday when the Lightning and Canadiens faced off. After going back and forth at each other in a heated play in front of the net, the play ended with Lecavalier “two-handing” his stick into Subban’s pants, with Subban falling to the ice in apparent pain. This lead to Lecavalier receiving a five-minute major penalty and game misconduct.
Many were quick to throw flares at Subban for supposedly faking an injury on the play. I was not aware that when a player was hit in the pants, that it was not possible for them to get hurt. I can tell you one thing however, having played at the goaltender position, a puck in the pants can hurt, so I don’t see why a stick in the pants couldn’t.
That being said, Don Cherry exploded on CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada over the incident, ending his statement on Subban with, and I quote, “Somebody’s gonna get him.”. Not sure he’d be singing the same tune if Subban had been drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs, or Boston Bruins.
Lecavalier had much to say in the papers over the incident in the days that followed, stating that he didn’t feel he deserved to be ejected from the game, and pointing out that Subban had effectively hacked him twice before he had swung his stick back. Hockey play Vinny, it’s a hockey play.
When asked to comment about the incident on Twitter, Lecavalier said, “Nice to be back home, got a nice home cooked meal with family last night. Recharging battery for tues”. I guess Twitter was the only place he wasn’t complaining.
B-Mac
Bob MacKenzie was on the Team 990’s morning show this past Monday, and spoke about how he believes Subban will be a superstar in this league. He spoke about his strength, speed, puck control, but what struck me was his precise wording of what he thought of Subban’s personality. “Subban has the type of personality that rubs some people the wrong way, but it’s also what helps him be the player that he is.”
So when people say that Subban needs to learn, and needs to calm down, or tone it down if you prefer, I think quite the opposite. Continue to be who you are P.K., because the love for you in Montreal is almost incomprehensible at times.
P.K. Love
The love for P.K. in Montreal is undeniable. After asking my following to respond with what they think of when they hear “P.K. Subban”, the following are some of the responses I received: Prodigy; Electric; Fun; Exciting; PrimeTime; Norris.
I simply hope that fans remember he’s still very young, only 21 years of age and still has much learn. We are speaking great things of Subban’s point total, but in comparison, Tyler Myers in his second season with the Buffalo Sabres has 10 goals and 24 assists, just one goal less than Subban, and is considered to be having a very difficult season.
When Subban has his difficult moments, and growing pains which won’t go away after just one season, I hope people will encourage him on, rather then bring back conversations about his personality and way of being.
Have you gone Bonkers for P.K.? In a good way or a bad way? Leave a comment.
(Graphic: Reuters/Eric Miller)