I give full marks to Montreal D-man P.K. Subban for saying what he said after his team's Game 2 loss to the Boston Bruins. Subban said that he doesn't blame the Boston Bruins or their fans for racist tweets directed at him after Game 1 of their NHL playoff series.
Subban isn't going to let an insensitive jerk or two taint his respect for the Bruins.
Subban said, “It’s completely unfair for anybody to point the finger at the organization or the fan base.…
Subban scored two goals in Game 1, including the double OT GWG. Subban notched two assists in Game 2 on Saturday afternoon. The Bruins handled Montreal 5-3 to tie the best-of-seven series at one game apiece.
Subban said after the game that what is posted on Twitter is not a reflection of the league or the Bruins.
“The Boston Bruins are an original six franchise, they have been around for a very long time and they are respected. It’s completely unfair for anybody to point the finger at the organization or the fan base. They have passionate fans here, a great fan base and since I’ve been in the league it’s been awesome,… said Subban. “I’ve come to Boston many times, my family has come here, and it’s been great. What people may say on Twitter or social media is not a reflection by any means of the league, or the Boston Bruins.
“Whoever that is, they’ll get dealt with, but it’s completely separate from this league or the Boston Bruins organization. I know some of those players personally on that team, and the fan base has been awesome. It’s unfortunate when things take away from the great hockey that was played two days ago. It was a fantastic game, great for the league, great for hockey and that’s what we are going to talk about.…
“I’m happy now that we can just move on. You know what the funny thing is, is that we get stronger as a league, you see how people come together and it’s great. It’s not just about me, the NHL has tons of players from different backgrounds, from different places around the world and that’s what makes this league so special,… said Subban. “That’s what makes sports so special…it brings everybody together. It was another great hockey game today, I’m sure everybody enjoyed it and I look forward to the rest of the series, and everybody else should too.…
Bruins President Cam Neely issued this statement on Friday:
"The racist, classless views expressed by an ignorant group of individuals following Thursday's game via digital media are in no way a reflection of anyone associated with the Bruins organization."
Source: Associated Press
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When Thomas Vanek busted himself out of Mike Therrien’s chateau bow wow and scored his second goal of the game to make it 3-1, the Habs looked to be in total control of Game 2 in Beantown.
If we've learned anything that about the 2014 NHL Playoffs its that no lead is safe. Especially a 3-1 lead.
Trailing by two, the Boston Bruins scratched and clawed their way to the winner’s circle bt devouring the Habs in the final 11 minutes of the third period.
Niagara Ice Dogs alum Dougie Hamilton got the party started at 10:56 of the third period when he potted his second goal of the playoffs.
Patrice Bergeron tied it at the 5:43 mark.
Then, Reilly Smith gave the B’s the lead.
Milan Lucic‘s empty-net goal added insult to injury.
The B's pulled off the impossible comeback by scoring four third period goals in eight minutes of clock time. Efficient.
The series now shifts back to Montreal tied at 1-1 for Games 3 and 4.
Blowing a two goal lead midway through the third period, on the road, has to sting. However, the Habs have to feel good about themselves at this juncture. They accomplished their goal of splitting Games 1 and 2 inside the hostile confines of the Boston barn. They now get the luxury of the last line change in their house for Games 3 and 4.