The beauty and danger of post-game interviews is that, even in an age of “brand consciousness,” players and coaches sometimes let their true feelings slip.
That happened on Saturday when P.K. Subban let a few naughty words fly following the Montreal Canadiens’ 3-1 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins.
(Here’s your chance to apply the digital version of earmuffs, as the uncensored version of his comments can be seen at the end of this post.)
Just look at how different Subban’s demeanor seemed to be once he got a little time to cool off:
"I was just frustrated. It's normal after a game like that," P.K. Subban, cool as a cucumber after his tirade some 30 minutes ago.
— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) January 10, 2016
The Canadian Press caught up with Subban on Monday, and he further explained why he lost his cool (while providing his trademark charm when discussing the fact that he got “in trouble” with his parents for the tirade).
“But sometimes that’s the way it is. It’s just frustration,” Subban said. “Usually I do a good job of controlling that but I guess it sort of boiled over. When you see guys like (Sidney) Crosby and (Evgeni) Malkin out there dancing around and having their own way, it’s a little frustrating.”
If it’s not obvious enough already that this was one of those “nature of the beast” moments, even Montreal management seems to understand the outburst.
#Habs owner @GMolsonCHC expresses understanding of Subban's post-loss profanity-laced comments: pic.twitter.com/5cE5vUpjbq
— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) January 11, 2016
You can read more about Subban’s Monday reactions, and how Max Pacioretty dismisses any tension with Subban as a “non-story” in the Canadian Press’ piece.
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Oh, and here’s what Subban said. Cover any child’s eyes:
P.K. Subban was furious after the game. Here are his uncensored comments @Sportsnet pic.twitter.com/pYP57TW9bQ
— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) January 10, 2016