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Arber Xhekaj in uniform tomorrow: “I don’t think so”
Charles-Alexis Brisebois
Arber Xhekaj in uniform tomorrow: “I don’t think so”
Credit: More than ever, Arber Xhekaj is the talk of the town. After what we saw on the ice yesterday, does the Canadiens’ defenseman deserve to play? Does the CH need to play him to change the dynamic on the ice? In my opinion, as I mentioned this morning, the answer is yes. But ultimately, it’s […]
More than ever, Arber Xhekaj is the talk of the town.

After what we saw on the ice yesterday, does the Canadiens’ defenseman deserve to play? Does the CH need to play him to change the dynamic on the ice?

In my opinion, as I mentioned this morning, the answer is yes.

But ultimately, it’s Martin St-Louis who makes the lineup. Will he want to put his #72 (who has played very little in recent weeks) on the ice tomorrow?

If it were up to Renaud Lavoie, he’d still be there. But the informer, who discussed the subject this morning on BPM Sports, made a prediction on the subject.

I don’t think so. – Renaud Lavoie, asked if Arber Xhekaj will play tomorrow

Renaud Lavoie’s theory? In the third, the Habs have taken their foot off the gas and Martin St-Louis won’t want to break an effective formula for finishing the game. Even the Caps coach knows that the club doesn’t give up easily.

Did the journalist hear something between the branches? Possibly, yes.

At the time, however, it was clear that the decision was a special one. After all, it’s not as if Jayden Struble had been indispensable for so much – and even defensively, it wasn’t always straightforward.

Would WiFi have had more than two shoulder shots (Struble’s total yesterday) if he’d played Game #1? Probably, yes.

The Habs 2nd in team hits leader Arber Xhekaj is up in the stands watching Tom Wilson levelling Kaiden Guhle

– /r/Habs(@habsonreddit.bsky.social) April 21, 2025 at 7:23 PM

More importantly, the guys on the other side might have hit a little less hard at times. For example? I’m not sure Brendan Gallagher would have eaten a stick in the teeth if the Sheriff had been on the ice.

In the playoffs, the intimidation factor is still important. And even if Xhekaj isn’t perfect defensively, his ordeal has lasted long enough.

If Xhekaj doesn’t play tomorrow, it may be too late for the CH in this series… even if Xhekaj were to return to action for home games in the next few days.

And the longer he stays in the stands, the more we’ll wonder if his brother won’t end up forcing him out of Montreal.


in gossip

– Ah well.

– Bruce Boudreau is often asked about Jaroslav Halak. #2010[TSN 690]

– David Savard is strong. [TVAS]

– Official.

– Indeed.

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