ice with Crosby on top Crosby shoved his glove into Subban’s face it’s what hockey players call a face wash Crosby also banged Subban’s head into the ice a few times for good measure Both men were given two minute penalties for holding Pittsburgh won the game easily 6 0 And in Game 6 the Penguins won 2 0 to claim their second consecutive Stanley Cup It was a tough defeat for Subban And his night wasn’t over yet In one of hockey’s greatest traditions each team shakes hands at the end of a series That meant Subban and Crosby both Canadians and former Olympic teammates shook hands at the end of their battle Crosby then skated off to celebrate with his teammates while Subban went to a quiet Predators locker room Despite the loss Subban was seen as a hero in Nashville for standing up to Crosby But in Pittsburgh and other cities many people thought Subban was trying to make the Stanley Cup Final all about himself Reporters asked Subban what he thought about the situation I could probably answer the question if I knew why I’d be labeled as a villain Subban said I don’t know what I’ve done particularly wrong I don’t really focus on that It’s a lot of noise I just choose not to listen
Subban holds Crosby by the head during Game 5 of the 2017 Stanley Cup Final
to a lot of it That’s seemed to help me throughout my career Subban’s ability to focus on hockey while enjoying himself has helped him become a star in the National Hockey League NHL By the age of 29 he was a three-time finalist for the Norris Trophy which is given to the NHL’s best defenseman He won the award for the 2012 13 season back when he was playing for the Montreal Canadiens No matter what jersey Subban wears he is popular with fans His No 76 was one of the biggest sellers during the 2017 playoffs Fans connect with Subban and his enthusiasm for the game And Subban sees that as good for the league In my opinion this is the new NHL Subban said at the 2016 All-Star Game That’s the game now Fans want to be able to interact with players and get to know them Subban has built himself quite a life He’s charitable He travels the world And yes he promotes himself at times In a sport where players usually blend in by not speaking too colorfully Subban is not like most other players There is a culture to the sport that I want to see
respected and I don’t want to see change Subban says You want to respect the jersey you want to respect the logo you want to respect your players But be yourself Have fun
