Tensions Boil Over at Canadiens Practice: Mike Matheson Snaps and Sends Arber Xhekaj to the Ice
We had a very intense practice yesterday with the Montreal Canadiens, live from the Bell Centre. Personally, I love seeing this as we approach the end of the 2024-2025 season, especially coming from a veteran like Mike Matheson.
It sends a very clear message to the others and sets the tone.
During one particular sequence, you can see a small "altercation" between Matheson and Arber Xhekaj.
The footage is in the TVA Sports article below, but in short, what happens is that Xhekaj throws Matheson to the ground during a drill (by hooking him a bit), and then we see the Quebec defenseman get up very quickly, turn around, and go straight to take down Xhekaj.
The Sheriff then found himself literally on his backside, legs up in the air.
The footage is here and in the article below:
A very intense practice yesterday for Martin St-Louis' squad
At the risk of repeating myself, I love seeing this.
I think it sends a strong message, proving that vacation time is over and the intensity is back.
More practices like this certainly wouldn't hurt the Canadiens.
Clearly, despite the break for the Four Nations Face-Off, the frustration from the losses hasn't faded within this team, and that's a very good thing.
They now need to carry that intensity into the upcoming games to try and string together some wins.
Let's remember that Martin St-Louis' squad enters this final stretch of the season sitting 23rd in the NHL standings and six points away from a playoff spot in the East.
![Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Brady Tkachuk (7) celebrates scoring against Team Canada during the first period during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/530884.webp "Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Brady Tkachuk (7) celebrates scoring against Team Canada during the first period during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images")
![Feb 17, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada goalie Jordan Binnington (50) during the second period in a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game against Team Finland at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/530730.webp "Feb 17, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada goalie Jordan Binnington (50) during the second period in a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game against Team Finland at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images")
