Arber Xhekaj could have an interesting night against the Ottawa Senators
Xhekaj answered for his hit on Ridly Greig, but knowing Tkachuk I expect there may be more that follows in their regular season showdown.
The Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators have developed a rivalry that is intriguing since Arber Xhekaj entered the league.
He is feared by many, but the Senators seem to be the team that consistently fights against him. It was apparent when Xhekaj hit Ridly Greig in the preseason that something was going to happen. Senators captain Brady Tkachuk made him answer the bell for his actions, but it was a quick tussle and off to the box the combattants went.
I would have to think that there will be a little more to talk about after the game finishes on Saturday night. What I mean by that is that I think there will be more chippy and edgy plays, which has become a constant with these two teams. And I think that Tkachuk and Xhekaj may reacquaint themselves again, with a scrap to get the adrenaline pumping.
It might not be totally necessary, but when the team relies on you to stand up for them, it's a second nature thing to drop the mitts.
Xhekaj would be wise to fight only when needed
The thing with Xhekaj is that you don't want him to stray from what has made him successful, but he can run a little hot. This isn't always a bad thing, but if he does and penalizes the team, it isn't going to do much for him. Xhekaj is the guy who answers for the Habs if they are taken advantage of, but he is also a guy who could develop into so much more.
Staying on the ice is best for Xhekaj, and given his reputation, it will take a lot of discipline to stay out of the chippy stuff. I'm not suggesting that he avoid it altogether, but restraining himself at times could earn him respect from the officials. If they expect him to do something every time then it will make calling a penalty on him much easier.
Ottawa will likely do their best to challenge Xhekaj because they know he can impact the game in an array of ways. But he is the one in control of how he reacts; a fight will be a great way to win over the locker room. But a goal or assist that helps the team inch closer to a win will please the coach and players.
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