from Adam Proteau of The Hockey News,

Finally, former NHL star and current ESPN analyst P.K. Subban caused consternation this week after he made a less-than-flattering comment on singer/actress Lizzo. Subban was discussing the Toronto Maple Leafs’ loss to Florida in Game 1 of their second-round Stanley Cup series Tuesday when he went off the cuff and into controversy.

“Maybe they need to pack a Lizzo-sized lunch,” Subban said of the Leafs. Yes, Subban built up lots of goodwill over the years as a philanthropist and has worked to grow the game of hockey. He should also know better than to punch down and belittle someone just because they can.

There are much easier analogies to make than the one Subban used Tuesday. It’s not as if he were providing any insight with that comment. It only disappoints a hockey community that is continually attempting to attract people of all body types and backgrounds.

It was just unnecessary on a fundamental level, and even a charismatic personality like Subban has to be called out for this clear misstep. We’re glad he’s providing a perspective different than we usually get from run-of-the-mill NHL commentators, but this attempt at levity went over like a lead balloon. An apology and a learned lesson are due from him.

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