The Montreal Canadiens snapped their dropping streak in a decisive 5-1 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets. The win prolonged their dominance over Columbus with their sixth straight regular-season win towards them. Nick Suzuki‘s second-period aim stood because the game-winner, whereas contributions from Mike Matheson, Lucas Condotta, Jake Evans, and Josh Anderson sealed the victory. Sam Montembeault was strong in aim, stopping 25 of 26 photographs to safe his fifth profession win towards the Blue Jackets.
In brief, the Canadiens’ offense proved an excessive amount of for the struggling Blue Jackets, who’ve dropped seven of their final eight video games.
Arber Xhekaj‘s Toughness Shines in Montreal’s Win
Whereas the highlight was on Suzuki’s offense, Arber Xhekaj made his presence felt in different methods. The 23-year-old defenseman was concerned early within the second interval when he dropped the gloves with Columbus’ Mathieu Olivier. The combat was a part of a sequence the place Xhekaj displayed his bodily type of play, which has develop into an indicator of his recreation.
But it surely wasn’t simply his toughness that stood out. Shortly after serving his main penalty for the combat, Xhekaj helped arrange Nick Suzuki’s eventual game-winner, recording his first level of the season. Past the help, Xhekaj completed the sport with two blocked photographs, 5 penalty minutes, and a plus-2 ranking, reinforcing his worth on each ends of the ice.
Xhekaj’s Physicality Is Wanted on the Canadiens’ Defence
Xhekaj’s mixture of physicality and ability balances the Canadiens’ protection as they work by means of roster adjustments and accidents. If David Savard’s upper-body damage retains him sidelined for longer, Xhekaj may discover himself with an much more vital function transferring ahead, offering each grit and depth to Montreal’s lineup.
Xhekaj exemplifies the “coronary heart and soul” type of hockey that followers and teammates worth deeply. Sport after recreation, he places his physique on the road, by no means hesitating to defend his teammates or interact within the gritty, bodily play that may change a recreation’s momentum. Whereas his offensive contributions won’t soar off the stats sheet, his intangible qualities—management, toughness, and camaraderie—are inconceivable to quantify totally.
Xhekaj’s Unsure Future
Given all this, the continuing commerce rumors surrounding Xhekaj depart followers puzzled. Studies recommend that the Canadiens could be open to transferring him, although they seem hesitant attributable to issues about getting an ample return. It’s perplexing for a participant whose contributions transcend targets and assists. Xhekaj’s dedication to the staff and his function as a stabilizing power on the Canadiens’ protection ought to make him a cornerstone, not a commerce chip.
Because the hypothesis continues, one can solely surprise: why would the group think about parting methods with such a precious participant? For now, Xhekaj stays an integral a part of the Canadiens’ lineup, embodying the gritty id that the staff usually strives to venture. If he stays, he has the potential to develop into an much more vital function, anchoring the staff’s protection and mentoring youthful gamers. If he leaves, Montreal may understand how a lot they’ve misplaced in buying and selling away a participant who offers all the pieces for the crest on his jersey.
Associated: Lane Hutson’s Play Lets Canadiens Pull Set off on Huge Commerce
