Does Anybody Believe Subban?

First off, P.K. Subban is an awesome player and does a really good job of playing the villain and hockey does need some villains to make the game more interesting. Or at least, I think so.

I know that hockey is a game of intimidation, and there's a lot of gamesmanship during the Stanley Cup Playoffs. After watching this video, does anyone believe Subban? He's beginning to develop a body of work.

Sean Gordon, the Globe and Mail -- “I’ve never done that in my career. It’s something that my family doesn’t condone, this organization doesn’t condone. I’m not out there to do that,” P.K. Subban said.

The act was a remarkably dumb decision, and Subban acknowledged as much.

“I don’t want take a penalty there, we’re already down a man, I just tried to let him know. I didn’t even look to see where I was going to slash him … I try to play hard in front of the net; obviously, it’s something that I can’t do,” he said. “As far as targeting anybody … if anything, I feel like a lot of times I’m the target.”

Subban chalked his exaggerated reaction at being tossed from the game up to a surfeit of emotion and allowed that in hindsight the penalty was “the right call.”

His tone wasn’t exactly repentant.

“I’ve been slashed a lot harder than that,” he said.

"I’m not out there to do that,” Subban said. Yeah, right. Two games and two acts that speak otherwise. Hey dude, it's part of the game. And yes, the Stanley Cup Playoffs aren't for the faint of heart.

(Video) Subban Is up to His Old Tricks; Punches Milan Michalek in Head

A game after being kicked out of a game for his bush-league slash on Senators forward Mark Stone. P.K. Subban is caught on film punching the Senators Milan Michalek in the back of the head during a scrum in front of the Canadiens net.

Hey, it's the playoffs. Right?

If I was the Senators coaching staff, I would start running the Habs star players. The standard has been set.

P.K. Subban Major Peanlty for Slashing

At the 8:23 mark of the second period, Montreal Canadiens defenseman P.K. Subban was assessed a five-minute major and a game misconduct penalty for slashing Mark Stone. Was this the right call? I think it was.

Reading some of the comments online, there are some Canadiens fans that think that Subban was assessed an excessive penalty.

Subban ejection. Rule 61.3 and 61.5 pic.twitter.com/ctx2HTfdHH
— Adam Gretz (@AGretz) April 16, 2015

Here's another look at this incident. It's definitely a violent slash.

P.K. Subban Fined for Diving

It was only a matter of time before P.K. Subban was fined by the National Hockey League for embellishment. Now with the fine, Subban is now a documented diver. It will be interesting to see if Subban cleans up his act.

NHL.COM -- Montreal Canadiens defenseman P.K. Subban has been fined $2,000 as supplementary discipline under NHL Rule 64 (Diving/Embellishment), the National Hockey League announced today.

Revised for the 2014-15 season following offseason approval by the League's Board of Governors and the National Hockey League Players' Association, NHL Rule 64 is designed to bring attention to and more seriously penalize players (and teams) who repeatedly dive and embellish in an attempt to draw penalties. Fines are assessed to players and head coaches on a graduated scale outlined below:

Habs and Sens Line Brawl: P.K. Subban vs Mark Borowiecki

I guess someone forgot to tell the Ottawa Senators and Montreal Canadiens that this was only a meaningless exhibition game. Both teams were engaged in an old-fashioned, knock-down, drag-out line brawl Friday night. I am surprised that P.K. Subban actually fought Mark Borowiecki.

Subban gets his money (RW77)

PK Subban is, to me, an interesting case... and not the only interesting case on the Canadiens.

Yesterday, PK Subban signed an 8 year $72 million contract with Montreal.  For the math fans out there, that's a cap hit of $9 million a year.

Is this a good or a bad deal?  Fans and analysts alike are already batting around this question.  Ok, so maybe it is because we are now entering the boring part of the offseason and there's nothing really to talk about now that Sid the kid's surgery is postponed or cancelled.

Back a few years, Duncan Keith signed a mammoth extension with the Blackhawks worth $5.5 million a year and people questioned it and it turned out ok.  Others, not so much.  But in my opinion, the worthiness of this contract isn't questionable if you look at Subban's offensive numbers and even defensive capabilities.  Based on those facts alone, he's pretty solid.  Goon and I agree, he's most certainly the best player on Montreal.

However, he has a reputation most often scorned by those who were subjected to the Vigneault-led Vancouver Canucks of years past:  Embellishment, diving, showboating, etc.  Subban is the finest diver in all of the NHL (my opinion anyways) and he excelled at it last year in the playoffs.  Sadly, it's not the "haters" that were the only ones noticing it.... EVERYONE was.

There is talk that Subban will be named Captain or wear an 'A' on his sweater this season.  I, for one, hope this is just talk.  He's not yet matured enough to be an on ice leader.  Maybe he's great in the locker room.  His interviews seem good enough as well.  So, sure, he has the potential, but he needs to clean up his game first.

The problem lies in the necessity to do such a thing... you see, it isn't present.  More and more Captains of teams employ shady tactics on the ice.  The Kings' Dustin Brown is a good example.  Historically, there have been "cheap" Captains or superstars.  Heck, Gordie Howe was a cheap as they come back in his heyday.

However, I'd like to think that the Captain is a leader by example and exemplifies what his team is all about on and off the ice by such an example.  PK Subban doesn't lead in that way.  But that being said, the NHL isn't going to change its trends because of my opinion.  Oh well.

So, is Subban worth a big payday?  Yes.  Is it a bit high?  I think so.  I like Duncan Keith's numbers.  Something like an 8 year $44 million contract would have been perfect for Subban.  Load it with incentives if you want, that's fine.

So, he's a bit overpaid... but unlike the other "interesting" case, I think he'll back up his pay grade.

The next Habs player headed for a big payday apparently is Carey Price.  And I truly believe that last year he had a career year pre-injury.  He'll still be good, but he's not an elite goaltender.  The Habs will pay for a guy they almost let walk twice.  Soon after, they'll wish they had let him walk.

Just my prediction.

TSN, Subban Seeks $8.5M in Arbitration, Habs Offer $5.25M

#494499967 / gettyimages.com

I have been following this story with great interest, I actually can't believe that Subban is locked up with a long term deal, already. I think it’s insulting that the Habs want to play their former Norris Trophy winner 5.25 million a year. Talk about being low balled. In my opinion, Subban is definitely worth 8 million a year, if not 10 million a year.

TSN.CA -- With both sides scheduled for their hearing on Friday, the Montreal Canadiens and restricted free agent P.K. Subban have set up their respective asking prices in salary arbitration.

According to Ken Campbell of The Hockey News, the Canadiens submitted an offer of $5.25 million on a one-year contract, while Subban - represented by agent Don Meehan of Newport - is asking for $8.5 million.

The one-year offer from both sides would still make Subban a restricted free agent with arbitration rights next summer.

Subban, who signed a two-year deal worth an average annual value of $2.875 million contract prior to the 2012-2013 season, scored 10 goals and added 43 assists in 82 games with the Canadiens in 2013-14.

He also added five goals and 14 points in 17 playoff games and was part of the Canadian men's Olympic team that won gold in Sochi in February.

If Subban was an UFA, it would be interesting to see what other teams would be willing to offer him in the way of a contract. But Subban has stated that he wants to remain a Hab.

How much is P.K. Subban worth?

#451177378 / gettyimages.com

That's the question of the summer, how much is P.K. Subban going to get paid. Show him the money. I am thinking between eight and 10 million dollars. All we know is, Subban is going to get paid, that's a fact Jack. I think he's going to be filthy rich. Whether you like him or not, Subban is the face of the Montreal Canadiens. In my opinion, he's also the best player on their team.

Allan Muir, Sports Illustrated -- A crazy amount of money? Sure is. But then Subban is a crazy, unique talent.

The 25-year-old blueliner is coming off a bridge deal that earned him $3.75 million last season with a $2.875 million cap hit. It was an absurd bargain won by Bergevin at a time when cap issues—as well as concerns about Subban's defensive play and propensity for being a loose cannon—were used to deflate the price.

Those issues aren't in play now. A Norris Trophy winner in 2013, Subban has emerged as a player without peer. A master of possession, he can take control of a game at will with his speed, courage and creativity, and in a fashion that no contemporary can match.

Subban's talent makes him the heart of the Canadiens, but it's his swagger that makes him the team's soul. He's not just a player. He's an entertainer, a throwback to the days of Yvan Cournoyer, Guy Lafleur and Steve Shutt. Subban may be Ontario-born, but he's a Flying Frenchman through and through.

Look who showed up at the office today. Think he would rather sign something else this week. @PKSubban1 pic.twitter.com/fs3uUbMBUf
— Scott Moore (@MooreScottmoore) July 24, 2014

Related articles

• What Now for P.K. Subban?
• P.K. Subban: Capitals Offer Sheet Target?

NHL 15 Cover Vote... #NHL15Bergeron

RT this if you're going to vote for #NHL15Bergeron as much as you can today. pic.twitter.com/CbR6Z4Vjif
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) June 1, 2014

It ends today. You can use this link to vote. Voting closes today.

Boston Bruins: Brad Marchand Punches Tomas Plekanec before the Face-Off

This happened right before a face-off during the third period of last night's game. Boston Bruins forward Brad Marchand punches Montreal Canadiens forward Tomas Plekanec in the side of the head. This isn't going to play well with the Marchand haters. During the regular season, this would have probably started a line braul.

(Video) Bruins and Canadiens scrum, Markov spears Chara in the groin (GIF)

Another game, and another cup check. This time Andrei Markov spears Zdeno Chara in the family jewels. I would like to know what the cup check count is up to? You have to give the Canadiens coaching staff credit for not having Alexei Emelin and P.K. Subban on the ice at the end of the game. All in good fun right?

(Video X2) Shawn Thornton sprays P.K. Subban with the water bottle

It appears that Boston Bruins forward Shawn Thornton squirted Hab's defenseman P.K. Subban with a water bottle from the players bench. When asked if it was Thornton that squirted him.

“I don’€™t know if it was him, but somebody had squirted water twice at the end of the game there,” Subban said. “Hit me in the visor. I couldn’€™t even see the last minute and a half out there. I was pretty upset about that.”

While Subban doesn't want to make a big deal out of it, the NHL Department of Player Safety might be taking a look at this incident. Shawn Thornton could be looking at a fine from the NHL.

As lame as it may sound, Hockey Ops and safety dept will discuss potential of fine for Thornton squirting water at Subban during play.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) May 11, 2014

There was a little bit of discussion about the water bottle incident in Subban's post game scrum as well.

So, where are the Boston Bruins?

#488495703 / gettyimages.com

Dan Shaughnessy of the Boston Globe asks some really good questions in his article. So, where are the Boston Bruins? I think if they lose on Thursday night, this series is over. Some of the top players of the Bruins have been missing in action, so far during this series.

MONTREAL — The Bruins are the better team. This is what the hockey folks keep saying. This is what the regular-season record shows. The Bruins won the Presidents’ Trophy, earning home ice advantage throughout the playoffs. The Bruins are better than the Canadiens at the five-on-five game. The Bruins play a heavy game. They will overwhelm Montreal with Maximum Heaviosity.

Hmmm. This sounds like what folks in Detroit were saying last October when they played the Red Sox in the American League Championship Series. The Tigers were clearly better. Just like the 2007 Patriots were clearly better than the New York Giants. Just like the ’84 Lakers were better than the Celtics.

So why did Montreal win, 4-2, Tuesday night? Why are the Bruins trailing this series, 2-1? In three playoff games, why have the Canadiens led for 107 minutes, while the Bruins have led for only 11½ minutes? When do the Hub’s Heavy Hitters take control of this series? Where is the Bruins first line? Where in the world is David Krejci?

Sorry for asking. I guess this is the time to have faith in the battle-tested Bruins. They trailed the Canadiens in the first round of the magical Cup run in 2011. They trailed Toronto by a couple of goals late in the third in Game 7 last year. They know how to handle this situation.

Still, there is something nagging about this series. If not for three goals in six minutes of the third period Saturday, the Bruins would be staring down the barrel of a 0-3 deficit going into Thursday night’s game at the Bell Centre.

#488494933 / gettyimages.com

There's plenty of blame to go around, too. Hockey is a team game and the players need to put them on the table, if they want to win this series.  Time to sack up, or go home. The Bruins have spent a lot of time fooling around with some of the Canadiens players instead of playing hockey. The Bruins have spent too much time jawing with P.K. Subban and Brendan Gallagher. They need to shut up and just play some hockey. 

(Video) P.K. Subban hits Reilly Smith and takes out Thomas Vanek

Montreal Candiens defenseman P.K. Subban hits Boston Bruins forward Reilly Smith in the chest and also takes out his teammate Thomas Vanek. Subban was given a two-minute minor for roughing.

12:38 MTL P.K. Subban Roughing - 2 min against Reilly Smith

P.K. Subban responds to the racist comments

Some quotes aren't fit for 140 characters. PK Subban's quote on the racist tweets is one of them pic.twitter.com/SWwB3tAHsw
— Bruins Daily (@BruinsDaily) May 3, 2014

If you haven't seen P.K. Subban's response to the racist comments that were directed at him following game one, here's the comments. What a classy response to some hateful, ugly comments.

Related articles

• Bruins defend Subban against hail of racist tweets
• Hate stains Boston as Bruins fans tweet racial slurs at P.K. Subban of Montreal Canadiens
• Racist attacks on Habs' P.K. Subban stain storied Bruins-Habs rivalry: DiManno

NHL Hockey: Don Cherry goes off on P.K. Subban

I know this is a little bit old. Apparently, Don Cherry of the Coach's Corner didn't like P.K. Subban’s goal celebration after he scored the game-winning goal against the Ottawa Senators.

Toronto Star -- Cherry then offered stern advice to the 24-year-old before he heads to Sochi for the Winter Olympics.

“Don’t give (the opposition) ammunition,” Cherry said. “Subban had better stop that stuff when he (goes to the Olympics).”

Thoughts? I thought he celly was a bit over the top, but I wouldn't expect anything less from this guy. It was also against a conference opponent.

Montreal Canadiens: PK Subban Nice Goal-Line Save vs New Jersey Devils (Video)

Montreal Canadiens defenseman P.K. Subban can play defense as well. Wow! Nice play.

Chris Neil elbows P.K. Subban and he embellishes yet again

I thought this was funny, even the announcers think that P.K. Subban embellished in an attempt to get the a call from the referee. I also think this is why some people don't like Subban and his antics. I have said this a thousand times, he's an awesome talent, it's the other crap that takes away from his game. I will give him a 4.5 on that one. If Chris Neil really wanted to elbow him, he would know it.

Montreal Canadiens vs Ottawa Senators Donnybrook; P.K. Subban is a clown

Tonight, the Montreal Canadiens acted like a bunch of classless hacks. I don't know who the bigger clown is, P.K. Subban or the head coach of the Montreal Canadians. I don't blame the Ottawa Senators for taking the Habs to the wood shed tonight, Canadiens were begging for a beat down and they kept slashing the Senators and they obliged the Canadiens.

I also don't blame the Senators head coach Paul MacLean who called a timeout very late in the game. Make that 17 seconds left in the game. Of course the head coach of the Montreal Canadiens didn't like it. “As far as I’m concerned, it was classless,” Montreal Canadiens head coach Michel Therrien said.



Finally, talking about classless hacks. P.K. Subban runs his mouth up and down the ice, the guy is an absolute circus clown. Subban leaves his feet to check his opponent and is basically a two bit punk. When asked to fight, Subban turtles or runs and hides behind the refs, unless it's someone that weighs less than him.

Tonight, Subban (6'0" 200 lbs) fought heavy weight fighter Kyle Turris (6'0" 170 lbs), who is another player that is not known for his fighting prowess, according to Hockeyfights.com, Turris has been in three fights during his NHL career. Subban should really be proud of this fight, then he breaks the hockey code by punching Turris as he lays on the ice while he is tied up by the official.

subban leaving feet in gm1 RT @sensprospects Besides outcome, how is this hit diff than Gryba's hit? Guess allowed twitter.com/SensProspects/…
— sensblog (@sensblog) May 4, 2013

More P.K. Subban and Canadians Diving.

After the game last night, Boston Bruins head coach Claude Julian wasn't happy with the Montreal Canadians, he said they were embellishing to draw penalties on the ice. I don't think that you would have to work very hard to prove his point. The Canadians historically, are a team that is known for it's embellishment.

I included the check that Boston Bruin's tough guy Shawn Thornton put on Canadian's defenseman P.K. Subban, in my opinion, it looks like Subban over dramatized that hit quite a bit. Sounds like Bruins head coach Claude Julian agrees with me as well.

“It’s about the game and the embellishment embarrasses our game and we need to be better,” Julien said, before turning his focus solely to Subban. “It’s pretty obvious when P.K. gets hit and throws himself into the glass and hold his head. You know what? If we start calling those for embellishment, maybe teams stop doing it. Until we take charge of that, it’s going to be an issue.”  

Was that hit a penalty? I suppose, but because of  P.K. Subban's reputation of being a diver, and a flopper, he's not going to get the benefit of the doubt. Personally would compare Subban to an Alex Burrows type player, I would imagine the ref wasn't inclined to call a penalty on that play, look at the video, it's there for you to see. 

To me it looked like an embellishment and Subban should have received an Academy Award for his acting skills. 

“Tonight, as everybody saw there is a lot of embellishment,” Julian said. “This is embarrassing for our game, embellishing. Right now They [Canadians] got over 100 power-plays so far and it’s pretty obvious why. We’re trying to clean this out of our game and it’s got to be done soon."

In my opinion, the Habs are becoming the Vancouver Canucks of the east.