Chicago Blackhawks: 3 keys to success for Malcolm Subban

Key 2: Be physically ready for the season

Subban has only ever played about 20 games, about a quarter of a season, as an NHLer. Even though 2020-2021 is going to be a shortened season at 56 games, he’ll need to be ready. Not just mentally, that’s a given, but physically as well. It’s going to be a grind, and it could very well be something he’s not really used to.

Ideally, he’ll be getting ready for that during the off-season, but a full season will wear down just about every player. In fact, it’s rare to see anyone go through a full season in the NHL without picking up some kind of injury. Goalies are no exception, and even the best feel the effects of piling up heavy minutes.

The full impact of having to stop pucks night after night, especially if the team starts relying on him over the other goalies is going to affect. He may need to get back into a game for an injured counterpart, even if he played a tough game the night before. He might need to play several games in a row, including a back-to-back. Whenever he’s called on, he’ll have to be ready, no matter how tired he might feel.

He’s almost certainly capable, but he’s never shown that he can do this. The problem is that this is one of those things that he can’t really train for in the off-season. I expect he’s taken the opportunity that’s been made available to him very seriously, and he’ll be ready to play for keeps on the first day of camp. Hopefully, he’s prepped himself enough to carry himself through the whole season.