Subban's Benching Could Lead to a Mess of Problems
When news hit yesterday morning that P.K. Subban would be scratched for last night's game against the New Jersey Devils, Twitter exploded in support of the hot-shot rookie defenseman. There were cries for Jacques Martin's head. There were cries wondering why Michael Cammalleri wasn't the one being banished to the press box after a back-checking effort (following his own turnover, mind you) in overtime so non-existant, it made Alex Kovalev look like Mr. Heart & Soul. There were cries that much-maligned centre Scott Gomez was long overdue to be the next lineup regular to be removed.The decision to scratch Subban surprised me as well. When he's playing up to his ability, Subban is the team's best defenseman in a Markov-less lineup. But against Edmonton, a game in which he made two mistakes that directly led to key Oilers goals, Subban was not playing anywhere near to his ability. To his credit, he was fully accountable after the game admitting his head wasn't completely into things once the Habs went up 3-1. Rookie mistake.
Subban should've been given the opportunity to work through his mistakes. Playing through adversity will be the quickest and best way for Subban to figure out how to be the best hockey player he can be. The message from the coaching staff that they need Subban to play within himself more can be conveyed without keeping him out of the lineup.
What's done is done. Whether you agree with the decision or not, the most important thing is how Subban interpreted the message that was sent to him. Is his confidence shaken? Max Pacioretty's certainly was when he was dealt a similar hand. Does Subban see this as a wake up call that he has to stop trying to do too much or does he see himself as a scapegoat for the Edmonton debacle considering he played a game-high 25 minutes? Was it made clear to Subban that this can be a learning opportunity as opposed to a punishment? Based on body language and his public comments, Subban will see the move in a positive light. He'll come back a stronger, smarter player for it. The Canadiens need him to.
But a funny thing happened last night. Subban's replacement Yannick Weber, played well. Very well. Weber is certainly no scrub and while he might not carry the fanfare Subban does, he's a good young defenseman in his own right. Weber played a very strong 17 minutes and notched six shots, more than anyone on either team. The criticism of Weber is largely based on his defensive ability and you can point to his -4 rating in Hamilton as evidence of that. But that perceived liability certainly didn't show last night and if the coaching staff's plan was for Weber to have a cameo last night and take his familiar seat upstairs again on Saturday, that has to be re-considered. At the same time, Subban can't be kept out of the lineup any longer. So what happens now?
History suggests Jacques Martin will keep the same lineup as last night, he generally does after a win. However, if a change will be made, Alex Picard seems likely to be the odd-man out. No slight against Picard, he's done as well as can possibly have been expected, but he carries the lowest ceiling of any defenseman on the roster. It's a problem but always a good problem to have. In the end, Subban needs to be back in the lineup and Weber's progression cannot be stifled after his best career NHL game to date. Young defenseman don't get any better when they wear suits to games instead of uniforms.
About Will Martinez
Will Martinez runs the 'Hey, My Name is Will' blog and is a contributor for TheFranchise.ca. You can follow Will on Twitter @heymynameiswill
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