The Montreal Canadiens have developed a brotherhood, coming together as one to send the team back to the promised land.
Each player stands up for one another and the guys that are usually relied upon to defend are beloved for it. Cole Caufield took the time to applaud Arber Xhekaj because he is a protector and doesn't let his teammates get pushed around. He doesn't believe that Xhekaj had ill intent when he hit Tim Stuetzle, he simply through a big hit to keep the Ottawa Senators on high alert.
Hockey is a fast sport, and things change in an instant, so what might appear awful from the first viewing, can change with a slow-motion view. That is precisely, in my opinion, what happened with Stuetzle. If you slow it down you can see that the arrant stick was the reason Stuetzle went down in a heap.
Source: https://t.co/gVa2AowL48
— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) October 2, 2024
Standing up for one another is exactly what Xhekaj believes in, and sure Ridly Greig is the guy who threw a bad hit. But Xhekaj knows that throwing a big hit on one of the Senators' top players sends a message. A message that the game will remain a fair fight as long both teams are playing that way, if not then the star players are going to be targeted.
Xhekaj is a guy that every team would want
Love him or hate him, if you had Xhekaj on your team, you would respect what he brings to the team. Every night he plays for the crest on his sweater and the guys surrounding him on the bench. Xhekaj doesn't play for individual recognition, but to win as a team and ensure each teammate feels safe.
Been seeing so much consternation about Xhekaj.
— Brian Wilde (@BWildeMTL) October 4, 2024
You think inside the Habs room there is any player upset that he has had their back?
Every player in every room would feel the same way about what he has done.
Scores get settled. That’s the NHL.
Nobody loves playing against a guy who holds everybody accountable, if you throw a hit or say something out of line, he will make you answer for it. It's one thing, if it's a small player who is chippy that will chirp back and maybe try and cause havoc. But Xhekaj's hands look like concrete slabs and he can clear two guys from the front of the net without any issue.
Not exactly a great guy to upset, but the type of guy that you want on your team when the games get tough.