P.K. Subban: Bruins not at fault
-- BOSTON -- Montreal Canadiens defenseman P.K. Subban says he doesn't blame the Boston Bruins or their fans for racist tweets directed at him after Game 1 of their NHL playoff series.
"It's completely unfair for anybody to point the finger at the organization or the fan base," Subban said. "They have passionate fans here, a great fan base and since I've been in the league it's been awesome. I've come to Boston many times, my family has come here, and it's been great."
Subban scored two goals in Game 1, including the winner in double overtime. He had two assists in Game 2 on Saturday, when the Bruins beat Montreal 5-3 to tie the best-of-seven series at one game apiece. Subban's younger brother, Malcolm, was drafted by the Bruins in the first round in 2012.
Subban said Saturday that what people say on Twitter or social media is not a reflection of the league or the Bruins. He went on to say that it is unfortunate when the attention is taken away from the game being played on the ice.
Game 1 of the series, which went to double overtime, was great for the league, Subban said, and that is what he wants to talk about. He said this was the first time, and probably the last, that he would comment on the racist tweets.
In fact, Subban went on to say that a lot of positives have come from this incident.
"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," Subban said. "And 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 and that's what makes sports so special, it brings everybody together."
Team president Cam Neely distanced the Bruins from the reaction, and NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said before Game 2 that the league condemns "bias and hatred."
Information from ESPNBoston.com's Joe McDonald and the Associated Press contributed to this report.