A Winning Habit
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Canadiens Captaincy: The Case For P.K. Subban

By Lissa Albert

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In my recent posts, I have discussed why I believe the Montreal Canadiens may do fine without a captain, as well as making the case should they choose Max Pacioretty to wear the C. But there are other candidates, and some people believe that honor should go to P.K. Subban.

I have to admit, Subban is an intriguing man. As a player, he is strong, super talented, and just keeps getting better. A 2013 Norris Trophy winner, and a Norris Trophy finalist this year, he has proven his worth in the NHL as a defenseman.

As a person, his maturity was something that struck many people – myself included – in the very first press conference he ever gave as a Habs defenseman.

When Andrei Markov fell to injury in the first round of 2009-10 playoffs, and the blue line needed someone to fill the gap, Subban got the call. In 14 playoff games, P.K. recorded 7 assists. Even in his first 14 games with the team, he averaged 20 minutes TOI, showing that the coaches were taking advantage of his energy and his talent. (Of course, today he averages 26 minutes TOI, but for a rookie, the 20 minutes was an indication of where he was heading.)

The following year, he was a full-fledged member of the Canadiens, and has continued to prove his capability on many levels. In fact, he had more to prove this year; having been signed to the biggest contract in Habs’ history, there were anti-Subban sentiments questioning whether he was worth it.

It seemed as if he couldn’t make a mistake; if he received a penalty, The Contract became a reason to denigrate him. As unfair as that was, fans can be brutal, and after the contract details were released, Subban almost had to be flawless in order to “deserve” it, in the minds of some.

I saw it happen in social media, heard it questioned on sports-talk radio. He was asked about the contract, in early-season interviews, as if that had anything to do with the way he performed.

It wasn’t fair, but Subban took it in stride. He continued to play his game, he continued to improve and he showed that he is worth every penny of that contract – and more. Because he provides something that money cannot buy.

The adversity he’s faced, and how he’s handled it are enough to give him an edge, a level of maturity many cannot deny. But why the captaincy?

Taking the definition of a captain’s role, let’s look at P.K. Subban’s qualifications:

  • He is well spoken
  • He takes a leadership role
  • His experience wearing the “A” this season validates his trustworthiness
  • He clearly motivates his teammates

P.K. is the one at the door when a period or a game ends, high-fiving his teammates, greeting them as they come off the ice, either in encouragement or congratulations.

P.K. is the one with the million-dollar grin whenever any member of his team scores – regardless of whether he’s on the ice or not.

P.K. is the one giving credit to Carey Price in every interview (it should be noted that Price never takes credit for his own performances), and giving credit to the individual players who have stood out in any given game.

P.K. is the one who is quickest to claim accountability if the team has not performed the way they needed to on any given night, squarely facing defeat and addressing the issues they need to fix; I have never heard him lay blame on anyone, other than himself if he’s been responsible for a goal against the Habs. I’ve never heard him make excuses.

Probably one of the most outspoken – if not the most outspoken – he also has the charisma that elevates his personality off the ice. There isn’t an article written about him that does not address his solid character, his upbringing, his maturity and his articulate eloquence.

I have a personal soft spot for P.K. Subban – his jersey is the one I bought after those famed playoffs in 2010 when the Habs went to the Eastern Conference Finals and he joined the team. Even as a rookie, he impressed me and I knew he was headed for a great future.

I would not mind one bit if he were named captain; in fact, I would have the utmost confidence in his ability to honor that “C”.

(Enjoy P.K’s unique sense of fun, and community outreach as he surprised a group of youngsters over the Christmas holidays)

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