MONTREAL

Jonathan Bernier might consider trading in his goalie mask for a gas mask for Wednesday’s season opener against the Montreal Canadiens, especially if Habs defenceman P.K. Subban decides to glide by.

Subban raised a light-hearted stink here in Montreal the other day when he admitted during an interview on the local French CBC station that one of the ways he gets under the skin of opponents is by farting near them out on the ice.

In order to help in that regard, Subban admitted drinking java and eating the type of foods that escalate the gas-passing process on game days.

Obviously, his teammates were aware of his tendencies, judging by how he was greeted upon arriving at practice on Tuesday.

“It’s funny. I think someone left a bottle of Pepto-Bismol in my locker, so I don’t think Phil Kessel has to worry about (on Wednesday),” Subban chuckled, referring to a possible gas attack on the Leafs sniper.

Asked if he had chugged a strong cup of coffee prior to practice, Subban chortled: “Is that performance enhancing?”

As a defenceman, Subban spends a lot of time during games in his own zone — in other words, near his own goalie, Carey Price. As such, how does Price feel about Subban’s odorous ways?

“Carey knows I’m full of crap. He doesn’t care,” Subban said, tongue planted firmly in cheek.

On the other hand, Bernier might.

SUBBAN IS A GAS: LEAFS

If you see an air freshener tag hanging from the Habs’ net, then you’ll know P.K. Subban isn’t fooling about farting in his own crease.

The Canadiens defenceman, broke the story that he breaks wind during games. “Sometimes the stomach doesn’t take it very well,” Subban told Tout le Monde En Parle. “I try to hold it in until I get on the ice, then in front of the net sometimes I’ll pass gas.”

Toronto centre Nazem Kadri has heard of Subban’s toxic tactic. “I’m not sure if any of that’s the truth, or he is just playing around,” an amused Kadri said.

Toronto goalie Jonathan Bernier had a laugh about it. “That’s P.K. He’ll come up with anything he can think of.”

Partner James Reimer said countermeasures might be in order.

“Maybe that’s what goalies should do to throw (forwards) off around them,” Reimer said with a grin.

— Lance Hornby