Things aren't easy for the Montreal Canadiens right now, winning only three times since Jan. 25, the Canadiens suffered another tough loss on Wednesday. Frustrations reached a boiling point and Canadiens head coach Michel Therrien pointed fingers.
"An individual mistake cost us the game," Therrien said in a post-game press conference.
Therrien's message was warranted, as defenseman P.K. Subban lost an edge trying to create an opportunity in the Colorado zone and instead turned over the puck. The turnover lead to Jerome Iginla's game winning goal with just over two minutes left to play. Subban was benched for the remainder of the game.
As an offensive defenseman Subban's is susceptible to turnovers, and leads the league with 85 this year, according to Scott Cullen. But after Wednesday night's turnover cost the Canadiens the game, Subban took some amount of responsibility.
"I expect it to be a huge story about the play that happened on the ice (Wednesday). I expect all that stuff. When you're the highest paid guy on the team, you make a lot of money and you speak your mind; people are going to have an opinion on you and that's fine," Subban said, according to Marc Antoine Godin.
The Canadiens have struggled to put wins together since Carey Price went down with a lower body injury in November. If the Canadians are going to have any hope of making the playoffs, Subban will have to take on a more complete role, and Therrien has to show trust in the three time all-star. Something Therrien hasn't done well with in the past, according to Bruce Arthur.
Subban is fourth in scoring amongst NHL defensemen with 44 points, and has unquestionable offensive ability, but he seems to recognize the importance of his role.
"I just want to compete and be the best player I can be every night. I also understand that not every night is going to be your night. Sometimes the bounces aren't going to go your way," Subban said.
