P.K Subban and the Next Generation

Alright everybody, it’s ranting time. They used to call the NFL the “no-fun league”, but I think the NHL is quickly taking that distinction away. P.K Subban decides to show a little emotion after scoring the game winner Monday against the Flames, and people react as if he’s spit in face of Wayne Gretzky, Scotty Bowman and every important person in the history of hockey.

Coaches (Jacques Martin, we’re looking at you) are saying he has to “learn from this kind of mistake” and old school analysts are saying he doesn’t “respect the game”. This might be their opinion, but are these the guys who are buying tickets? Are they the future of the NHL’s fan base? No and no.

You know what young people think about P.K Subban’s “antics”? We love it. You know what we think when Linus Omark scores a shootout goal after doing a spinerama? We love it. How about when Carey Price strikes a pose after a big win? We love it.

The tribe has spoken.

The old, conservative hockey people need to wake up and notice the transformation going on in the NHL right now. They need to realize that the days of quiet, stick raising, “do as they’re told” rookies are over. In their place, we’ve got young guys like Subban, Tyler Ennis and Drew Doughty; players who play with passion, flair, and just a little bit of theatrics.

As much as the over-60 crowd might protest, these kinds of players are exactly what the NHL needs. If anyone hasn’t noticed, hockey in the U.S isn’t nearly as popular as the other three major sports. Hockey needs big personalities; they need more Terrell Owenses, more Dwight Howards. Big personalities sell, and lord knows the NHL could use the ratings.

This is why I can’t understand why the NHL is trying to tame these kids. When Alex Ovechkin’s stick gets too hot for him after scoring his 50th, the rest of the sports world notices. When Mark Recchi scores and raises his stick, well, nobody really cares.

Another problem I have has to do specifically with Subban’s overtime winner on Monday. All we ever hear about in sports these days is how players need to care more. They need to stop being selfish (Hello LeBron James!) and start caring about the team more.

So why is it that, when P.K Subban scores a goal that wins his team a very important game, he gets yelled at for getting too excited? If a guy doesn’t show any emotion, it’s because he’s spoiled and doesn’t care; when he does show emotion, he’s being a hot dog and needs to tone it down. It’s a no win situation.

Not only should young players be allowed to celebrate how they want to, but the NHL should be encouraging it. The NHL needs these guys more than they think, and that’s why there’s only one thing left to say. Let the Kids Play.