Montreal Canadiens
GOTTA SEE IT: Canadiens Xhekaj Gets Into Fight, Leaves Game
Montreal Canadiens rookie Arber Xhekaj may have bit off more than he can chew, getting into a fight with Edmonton Oilers defenceman Vincent Desharnais and then leaving the game in discomfort.
The 22-year-old has taken on all comers so far this season, and today was no different, as he jumped to defend his teammates after a heated crowd formed in front of Jake Allen’s net.
Xhekaj immediately found a dance partner in Vincent Desharnais, and the two engaged in a very aggressive fight.
🥊 Xhekaj vs Desharnais (pas David)
L’épaule semble avoir lâchée 🙁
🔵⚪️🔴 pic.twitter.com/yKB1GcSAZR— Marc-André Perreault (@MA_PerreaultTVA) February 12, 2023
Unfortunately for Xhekaj, he seemed to walk out of the fight as the victor, but it came at a cost.
He immediately got up from his tilt with Desharnais and made his way to the bench favouring his shoulder and looking to be in serious discomfort.
Although the Canadiens didn’t immediately comment, it looked like Xhekaj’s shoulder was hanging; meaning that it may be more serious than simple soreness.
Clairement l’épaule pour Xhekaj pic.twitter.com/BTPxPqFRh8
— Marc-André Perreault (@MA_PerreaultTVA) February 12, 2023
He’s taken on all comers so far this season, with Pat Maroon, Nick Deslauriers, Zack Kassian and more. At no point has Xhekaj ever chosen to pick on a smaller player or needlessly chase after a fight.
The enforcers of the NHL seem to all gravitate toward him, and Xhekaj isn’t one to back down from a challenge since joining the Montreal Canadiens.
The young defenceman has had himself quite the season so far, as he currently leads the NHL rookie defenceman with five goals.
He’s also the most penalized rookie in the NHL at the moment, and has taken part in six fights as of Tuesday night.
He’s quickly burgeoning into one of the league’s most physical and punishing defenceman and is one of the biggest surprises of the season in the NHL.
See the rest of Arber Xhekaj’s fights this season:
January 19 – Arber Xhekaj vs Givani Smith
December 17 – Arber Xhekaj vs Pat Marroon
November 19 – Arber Xhekaj vs Nicolas Deslauriers
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