Stop the Hate, Subban’s More than Good… He’s Great

It seems like no matter what P.K. Subban does, he will always receive hate. Now, hate from other fan bases and outlets can be expected – he is a fantastic hockey player. However, when P.K. receives it from the worshipers of the Canadiens, it’s completely unwarranted and unjustified. Subban could solve world hunger, cure all diseases and buy everyone a 2015 Ferrari LaFerrari and these fans would still rip on him any chance they could get. Why? There’s actually no legitimate reason for it. So, there has to be something going on upstairs in their (petit) melons or maybe nothing is really happening and that’s the problem.

Subban is arguably the best blue liner in the entire NHL. He plays top minutes, he’s relied upon in every single situation and creates chances upon chances for not only himself, but his teammates like it’s going out of style. What gives? Well, for some fans of the bleu, blanc et rouge, his one goal on the 2015-16 season so far isn’t enough and not worth the $9 million price tag that Montreal is paying him. That’s right, there are supporters whining that he hasn’t been scoring to the tune of Carolina’s Justin Faulk. Not saying that Faulk isn’t having a good year, because he definitely is, but #27 on the Hurricanes is not even in the same tier of caliber that Subban calls home.

Let’s discuss the one goal thing a bit further. It’s way lower than anyone expected his total to be by this point of the season. No one can say that they don’t wish he was putting the biscuit in the oven more regularly but his shooting percentage is sitting at just 1.3%. There is no way that number sticks. It’s Subban, he has a rocket of a slap shot and a sneaky wrister that can do just as much damage – the puck is bound to go in soon for him. Let’s try to be a bit more patient in that regard and for crying out loud, stop mentioning his contract to try to justify your grumbles about a single stat line. The 2013 Norris Trophy winner is being paid for all the things he brings to the table; the entire package. Understand?

Subban’s goal total isn’t going to remain at just one for the whole season and it’s not what we should only look at when it comes to his play this year. He is third on the team in scoring with 22 points and for those of you that are a bit math challenged, that means he has 21 assists. Subban has set up at least 21 goals for his teammates. I say at least because you can be the reason a scoring play even happened and not get your name on the score sheet for it. The guy is on pace for over 50 points right now and this is with the team only putting up 17 goals in their last 9 games (less than 2 per game). So if you’re going to get your panties in a bunch about lack of production, you need to start pointing in a number of directions instead of singling out the one who wears #76.

The entire package that is P.K. Subban brings you goals, assists, strong defensive play, game-changing offensive ability, a mastermind in terms of hockey IQ and a smile that all dentists would be proud of. This is no where near an exhaustive list. He’s an absolute warrior and plays for the logo on the front of his chest every time he puts the jersey on. He should be one of your favourite players, if not your favourite.

Why do fans crap on him and discuss trading him in their armchair GM deals? It’s honestly a mystery and not one worth trying to solve as there is no true answer. It’s as if they don’t like to have great things and hold on to them.