Xhekaj sends a clear message to his bosses before the cut: "We are not going to be pushed around this year"
Tough Montreal Canadiens defenseman, Arber Xhekaj, sent a powerful message after last night's game against the Ottawa Senators.
While his spot in the regular lineup seems in doubt, Arber Xhekaj clearly reminded everyone why Martin St-Louis absolutely needs him on the roster.
He sent quite a message to his bosses and all the other NHL players.
A Solid Statement from Arber Xhekaj Before the Cuts
In a press conference, here is a snippet of what "The Sheriff" had to say.
Arber Xhekaj: "we are not going to be pushed around this year!"
And the longer version:
"I'm here for my teammates. If they need me, I'll be there, I'll be that guy. I'll take care of it, I'll be that guy. I support everyone»
"If one of us is attacked, it's all of us. That's our mindset. We won't let ourselves be pushed around this year."
- Arber Xhekaj, last night
I hope his bosses get the message and keep him in the lineup.
We love hearing that, and it's likely to be particularly important to have him in the lineup against the Toronto Maple Leafs, a team that seems to really want to play rough now that they're under Craig Berube's orders.
With Xhekaj in the lineup, it might make some Leafs players think twice about crossing the line, whereas if Xhekaj is in the stands, things could get out of hand.
A situation to watch, but in the end, the decision will come down to Martin St-Louis in the coming hours.
POLL |
How many games do you see Arber Xhekaj playing this season with the Canadiens? (not counting injuries) |
82 | 187 | 22.6 % |
More than 60 | 496 | 60 % |
Less than 60 | 144 | 17.4 % |
List of polls |
|
11 hours ago | By Elias Edmonson Patrik Laine Getting Closer to a Return, St-Louis Confirms, and a Return Date Is Suggested by Insider |
|
12 hours ago | By Elias Edmonson Canadiens Could Be Forced to Place a Player on Waivers When Laine and RHP Return |
|
13 hours ago | By Elias Edmonson Martin St-Louis Makes Statement on Kirby Dach's Emotional Outburst During Practice Today |
|
14 hours ago | By Elias Edmonson Things Are Going Poorly for Patrick Roy And The New York Islanders, His Job Could be in Jeopardy |
|
16 hours ago | By Elias Edmonson Martin St-Louis Gets Interrupted by Journalist During Press Conference, His Reaction Speaks Volumes |
|
17 hours ago | By Elias Edmonson Rare Scene Live from Practice as Kirby Dach Loses Patience, Leaves the Ice to Head to the Bench |
|
18 hours ago | By Elias Edmonson Patrik Laine Takes Part in His First Regular Practice, as the Canadiens Make an Announcement |
|
19 hours ago | By Elias Edmonson Brendan Gallagher Absent from Practice Again: Canadiens Will Hold Press Conference Shortly |
Previously on HabsFanatics