The Montreal Canadiens preseason has been a tumultuous one, with injuries piling up at an alarming rate.
Cedric Paré's knee on Patrik Laine, no matter how you look at it would cause some ruckus if left unpenalized. Unfortunately, that is exactly what happened, and every hockey player knows that there is an unwritten code to abide by. If a player is injured because of a questionable play, the odds are pretty good that said player is going to have to answer the bell.
Former NHL enforcer Georges Laraque carved a career out of fisticuffs and huge hits. Some of those fights, a fair share likely were when he stood up for his teammates. I'm not saying that he knows best because of the style of game that he played, but for him to call out Paré for his poor decision, you know it was a questionable play.
Paré needs to learn the code in the NHL, you give a cheap shot like that, you face the music, that was a coward move! 🤬
— Georges Laraque (@GeorgesLaraque) September 28, 2024
Arber Xhekaj came to Patrik Laine's defence, which was expected, that is what a guy with Xhekaj's reputation does. The Toronto Maple Leafs had to know what was coming to Paré also, it is standard to finish your checks, but that was a blatant extension leading to knee-on-knee contact. I expect that Paré will find himself in the American Hockey League and perhaps another Xhekaj (Florian) will acquaint himself with the Quebec native.
Was Xhekaj out of line?
Xhekaj has earned a reputation as a player who doesn't fear anybody and will go through a concrete wall for his brothers. Emotions can get the best of you at times, however, and that was the case against the Maple Leafs - given the situation surrounding Laine and his path back to the game. So going after Paré was warranted, but fighting him, though he didn't reciprocate the fight is what's in question.
I think that it was warranted, and that is why you have a guy like Xhekaj around, he contributes all around, but he stands up for his teammates. You never want to see a guy go down with an injury like Laine did on a play that has no place in the game. So. while Xhekaj reacted out of anger if it wasn't him doing it, then somebody else would.
It's hard to sit there after such a play and claim that the intention wasn't to connect with his knee, Paré could have let him skate closer then hit him in the chest with his shoulder. Yes he is allowed to hit Laine, that is a part of hockey. I'm not suggesting to water down the game, but calling a penalty after such a play is totally justifiable.