A collection of the latest news from around the world of hockey:
P.K Subban makes a lot of money. It’s not primarily to score goals, but he certainly has the ability to so. And sometimes, when things aren’t going right for his team, Subban takes matters into his own hands. Once in a while it works. Other times it doesn’t. And then there are the times when something bad happens. Last night, Subban tried to make a play to win the game. He lost an edge, and lost the puck. The Avalanche took it the other way and scored the eventual game winning goal. Subban was benched in the last minute when the Habs needed the tying marker, and afterwards, his head coach essentially threw him under the bus. [Eyes on the Prize]
Michel Therrien needs to utilize Subban’s offensive creativity. For a team that struggles to score goals, you can’t keep a stallion in the barn. He needs to run free. Could that result in goals against? Potentially. But imagine if the system was set up to ensure he would have proper support. Unfortunately, it’s not set up to let P.K do his thing. He doesn’t get paid all that money to fall down and give up a scoring chance, but things happen. Subban took a risk and it didn’t work. At least he tried.
Perhaps Therrien should have mentioned Max Pacioretty, who was back on the play but didn’t pick up anyone and was essentially in no man’s land. I understand it’s not Pacioretty’s job to play defence, just as it’s not Subban’s job to score. But a good team has players that buy in to every aspect of the game. They do whatever it takes to win, regardless of if it’s in their comfort zone or not. Pacioretty froze like a deer in the headlights. A good coach knows how to get the best out of his players. I have tried really hard not to completely blame Therrien for the Habs woes. But last night’s game leaves me with nothing with which to defend him. [The Star]
In other news…
John Scott scored a goal in the AHL. [CBC]
Is the GM of the Year distinction always awarded to the right guys? [Sportsnet]
Does Jack Eichel have enough pull to keep Jamie McGinn with the Sabres? [Buffalo Hockey Beat]
The Flames are struggling so much that they need opposing players to score goals for them. [Fox Sports]
Cap issues will force the Rangers into some tough decisions. [Today’s Slapshot]
The bizarre Flint Firebirds situation has forced the OHL to step in. [TSN]
This year may have been a disappointment, but the future is bright for the Blue Jackets. [Along the Boards]
Can Jonathan Bernier still be the number one goalie in Toronto? [Globe and Mail]
What kind of return can the Oilers expect for Justin Schultz? [The Oilers Rig]
The Blackhawks just get better things than everyone else. [The Hockey News]
How crucial is it for Steven Stamkos to play center? [Tampa Tribune]
This is surprising. A coach believes his player is the best. [LA Kings Insider]
And finally, today is the day when the U.S President pretends he knows a thing about hockey. [Global]
