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Subban Defends Ovechkin's NHL Greatness Over LeBron Comparison
2 Feb
Summary
- Subban argued Alex Ovechkin deserves special respect due to NHL's physical demands.
- He stated comparing Ovechkin's NHL goals to LeBron's NBA scoring is insulting.
- Subban highlighted the NHL's nightly contact and intensity affecting player longevity.
P.K. Subban, a former NHL defenseman, has entered a heated debate defending Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin. Subban vocally objected to comparisons being drawn between Ovechkin's NHL goal-scoring records and LeBron James's scoring achievements in the NBA.
Subban stressed that Ovechkin's accomplishments in hockey should be viewed with special consideration due to the inherent nature and longevity of the sport. While acknowledging LeBron James's greatness in the NBA, Subban argued that direct performance comparisons between the two leagues are inappropriate.
He pointed out that despite both leagues having 82-game regular seasons, the NHL's physical toll is significantly higher. According to Subban, the constant nightly contact, body wear, and overall intensity of the NHL schedule contribute to a player's career longevity in a way that basketball does not.
The former Montreal Canadiens defenseman found these comparisons to be "borderline insulting," believing they overlooked the punishing nature of hockey compared to basketball. Subban's comments quickly became a talking point, sparking both support for his defense of hockey and criticism for his remarks on the NBA.
