NHL Player To Watch: P. K. Subban

A month ago, P.K Subban was watching the Canadiens play in the NHL playoffs on TV. He was suiting up for the Canadiens’ AHL team in the Calder Cup Playoffs for every game and hoping to make it back to pro ice.  Nonetheless, he never dreamed he would be called up to help the Canadiens only a few days later.

When regular roster player Andrei Markov was hurt in Game Five against the Capitals during the first round of play, Subban was brought in to replace him.  Subban had spent a bit of time in the NHL but not enough to fully experience the pros or the pressure of the playoffs. 

Perhaps a bit surprisingly, Subban played like a seasoned player during the remainder of the first round and during the second round against the Penguins.  He only had one game where he looked like a rookie and that image may have been intensified by the way his teammates were playing around him.

The twenty-one year old celebrated his birthday with a series win against the Penguins on May 13.

He showed wisdom beyond his years when talking to reporters after his first playoff game “In these moments you can do two things, you can freeze up or you can grasp the moment and play. It wouldn't be fair to the rest of the guys if I went out there and put my tail between my legs. That's all they ask so I am trying my best out there."

Subban scored one goal and multiple points during the fourteen playoff games he played, clocking multiple big minute games, and helped the Canadiens make it to the Eastern Conference Finals against the Flyers. 

The Canadiens lost their series 4-1 last night but made it farther than anyone thought possible, thanks in part to their “relief” player.

The talented player is returning to the AHL to complete the playoffs with the H amilton Bulldogs where he will suit up to the play the Texas Stars tomorrow night at home. 

But have no doubt; we will see this young and talented player back on the NHL ice next season after the big splash he’s made during the last few weeks.