Habs Daily: Xhekaj Deserves NHL Call-Up, Montembeault Shines

Published

4 months ago

January 8, 2024

Marc Dumont

Here’s all the latest Montreal Canadiens news, highlights, and stories you may have missed this weekend.

ICYMI: Forward Emil Heineman was given an opportunity to play alongside centre Sean Monahan and forward Jesse Ylonen against the New York Rangers. [Canadiens Game 39: Heineman To Play, Potential New Lines]
The newly formed line scored a goal, but it was the Samuel Montembeault show on Saturday night. The 27-year-old netminder made over 40 saves and had to face more than a dozen high-danger scoring chances. His heroic performance held the fort long enough for the Canadiens to win 4-3 in the shootout. [Montembeault Steals Points Versus Rangers]

There were plenty of options, but Montembeault’s save in the shootout versus Mika Zibanejad was just about as good as it gets. It was so nice, you’ll want to see it twice. [GOTTA SEE IT: Montembeault Robs Zibanejad In Shootout]

Since returning from injury, Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj has been playing his regular brand of steadfast hockey in the American Hockey League. However, it’s difficult to envision him being down there for much longer, as he is simply too talented to not be in the NHL. [Defenceman Arber Xhekaj Deserves To Be In The NHL]

If you had told Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz when the season began that his team would be in fourth place in the Central Division and occupy the first wild card spot in the Western Conference close to the midpoint of the season, he would have likely signed up for that no questions asked. [Nashville Predators]
Pittsburgh Penguins coach Mike Sullivan was not a fan of the Penguins’ disallowed goal for goalie interference. Speaking after the Penguins lost to the Buffalo Sabres, Sullivan disagreed with the call, though his words lacked the incendiary quality of his tone. Late in the first period, the Penguins appeared to score the tying goal, but after a review, referees took it off the board. [Pittsburgh Penguins]
The banged-up Chicago Blackhawks are now at critical mass. Both Connor Bedard and Nick Foligno, who exited yesterday’s game are now on the IR, another massive blow to a team mired in a five-game losing streak and without many of its biggest contributors. [Chicago Blackhawks]