It's no secret that the usage of Arber Xhekaj has been a sore spot on the overall team culture for the Montreal Canadiens, and Martin St Louis hasn't given any indication that it will improve.
But every coin has two sides, and for that reason, you have to wonder if there is something psychological that Marty is trying to do with the Arber situation.
My thought is, and hear me out here - could Marty have a caged-animal who has sat, thought and practiced anticipating when he gets that call. You know as well as I do that No. 72 is another guy who can get the Bell Centre hollering.
Blackeye from Xhekaj shirts are a thing, and that is no coincidence, it is because this dude is a freak, and he will show that when given a shot. The thing is, his next shot is against the perfect opponents, the Washington Capitals have some big bodies, and they like to assert themselves on the forecheck, and cut things off at the blueline.
Intangible truthers know there is a need for players such as Arber Xhekaj for the postseason and team morale in general and it’s highlighted perfectly here from Lavoie.
— Patrick Tallon (@PatrickETallon) April 21, 2025
This isn’t a player you sit out for an entire series - especially against a tough team like Washington. pic.twitter.com/4roIg3eZuZ
After the Habs were physically challenged all over the ice in game one, and having a pillar physical presence back there to sheriff the game when the officials pocket their whistles and go for a Sunday skate, instead of making the right penalty call would be huge for the Habs.
Ivan Demidov was targeted, and Martin St Louis saw his team get pushed around at times, with guys like Juraj Slafkovsky and Demidov failing to do much with the puck in the offensive zone. It was a tough night, and matching the Capitals' physicality is the play here. Sit Mike Matheson in the pressbox, and let Arber Xhekaj handle the Capitals' huge forward core.
Montreal has the perfect playoff defenseman, who cracks jaws and skates smooth for a six foot four, 240 pound guy. No, 72 is an animal, and what he has is a calming influence on the lineup, when he plays, much like Shea Weber and Zdeno Chara did - imposing their will with physicality and rugged play.
If Montreal is icing the best six defenders to win these games, Xhekaj is in over Matheson for me, and I respect what No. 8 has done for the Habs, but its time for him to move on in July. The fit isn't there anymore, and he is clogging up a spot on the Habs defence for a guy like Xhekaj - and there are other internal options to replace him.
He is most valuable in a trade for the Habs, who have the youth to take the next step, the cap space to help that happen and the intriguing young core that should attract free agents in July. Montreal means business, and their late starts, while problematic, truly test the character of the roster, and tonight's game was a big effort.
But the result didn't go Montreal's way, with Ovechkin besting Demidov in game 1/7, the next game is Thursday night at 7 p.m.
Look for No. 93 to get more playing time, and the usual suspects to give the Capitals all they can handle.