Arber Xhekaj better respond to Martin St-Louis’ review

Dans les Coulisses
Crédit: MONTREAL, CANADA- OCTOBER 14: Arber Xhekaj #72 of the Montreal Canadiens takes a shot on goal during the third period of the NHL regular season game between the Montreal Canadiens and the Pittsburgh Penguins at the Bell Centre on October 14, 2024 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Vitor Munhoz/NHLI via Getty Images)

Yesterday, Martin St-Louis answered several questions from the media in a very blunt and direct manner at the post-practice press conference.

He obviously offered a response to the criticism levelled at him, which was supported by two of his players, but he also took the time to send a very clear criticism/message himself to his defender, Arber Xhekaj.

Indeed, Martin St-Louis was not shy in his criticism of number 72, and this was noticed by everyone.

It’s clear that St-Louis has reached the point where he gives Xhekaj a lot less rope and leash than the others, as this is the first time we’ve seen him talk so harshly about a player.

And when you think about it, even though, like virtually all Habs fans, I love Arber Xhekaj, St-Louis is right, the defenseman has to be better.

The sheriff isn’t off to a good start this season, and it’s showing in every one of his games, and even in every one of his appearances.

It’s not for nothing that he lost his chair to Logan Mailloux, freshly recalled from the Laval Rocket.

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Xhekaj is no longer a shadow of the threat he was when he arrived in the NHL two years ago, and that’s really working against him right now with the huge internal competition.

Like Martin St-Louis, we all know that Xhekaj can give a lot more, so it’s up to him to stand up if he wants to become a regular in the Habs’ defensive top-6 again.

After such criticism of him from his coach yesterday, Xhekaj needs to step up and play some great hockey tonight against the St. Louis Blues at the Bell Centre.

The important thing is for Xhekaj to get back to what worked for him when he first arrived in the NHL, and what made him a crowd favorite.

And don’t get me wrong, I’m not asking Xhekaj to fight, but rather to play simple, effective hockey.

Upon his arrival with the Habs, Xhekaj became a crowd favorite for his fighting, yes, but also for his overall physical play, defensive toughness and piercing, threatening shots.

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By the way, Xhekaj even ranked first among Habs defensemen in terms of shooting percentage, on a team that’s a real handful at this level.

In short, we know that Xhekaj is mixed up in his head and not very confident, but he’s capable of recovering from all that and getting back into his coach’s good graces.

Xhekaj isn’t MSL’s favorite, and he never has been, but all the same, the sheriff needs to get back to his good habits and solid, efficient play.

His mere presence in the line-up must be felt and help the team win.

Overtime

– One last game before the playoffs!

– Good point.

– Coming up.

– Ranger roster move.

– Indeed.

– Bravo !