Georges Laraque has followed the Arber Xhekaj - Ryan Reaves chapter of the Habs-Leafs rival and knows very well what Xhekaj brings to the fight.
When the Leafs were down 1-0 and Xhekaj had Reaves in the corner, after cross-checks, Reaves didn't engage with Xhekaj. For those who say that Xhekaj jumped Reaves and it was unfair, it's peculiar that Reaves wouldn't respond to defend himself. Surely if you're one of the NHL's toughest players, you want to prove that if challenged.
Reaves not responding, during a scenario that he is paid to do so, is quite alarming. Reaves wasn't a liability on Wednesday night, but he didn't do much to intimidate the Canadiens. I would think if his game is predicated on throwing off the opponents with hits and physicality, he didn't do much to back the Habs against the wall.
He’s afraid of him! After what Xhekaj did to the Leaf last game, he had to respond! Xhekaj was resdy formhim and was expecting him last night, Xhekaj cross checked him twice, backed up, waited for him and he wanted nothing to do with him… https://t.co/9KxH6m2dGg
— Georges Laraque (@GeorgesLaraque) October 10, 2024
Laraque believes that Reaves should have responded after Xhekaj went after Cedric Paré for his hit on Patrik Laine. Xhekaj was doing his job defending his teammates, but from the Leafs' perspective, you need to answer for it. The fact that Reaves didn't hold him accountable for the fight speaks volumes for the Xhekaj-Reaves rivalry.
Xhekaj will stay ready
Tony Marinaro knows how to drive up the excitement factor, and when he echoed what Laraque said, it was obvious that Reaves's lack of fighting has been a hot topic. I would prefer that Xhekaj stays on the ice and continues developing his game. But as we all know, he is not going to shy away from a fight.
Reaves strikes me as a guy who is big on his reputation and in Toronto, the Maple Leafs fans will love him when he stands up. But not going with Xhekaj has to have them feeling a little upset. Xhekaj is certainly ready, let's hope that a rivalry can be formed, the games are far more interesting when the tough guys engage with one another.
The young Habs need that protection and willingness to go to bat for the team. Toronto, who is a little more experienced needs it, too, but I think they want to play a more offensive game. It has been hard for Reaves to keep up, and not fighting Xhekaj has to be upsetting for Leafs management.
Ryan Reaves got 💩💩 when Arber Xhekaj wanted to fight him 😂#GoHabsGo #thesickpodcast @TonyMarinaro @BWildeMTL pic.twitter.com/EYoCmaoiqa
— The Sick Podcast with Tony Marinaro (@thesickpodcasts) October 10, 2024
A team that is supposed to be ready to take that next step needs somebody who can protect his team in the trenches during the playoffs. The regular season would have been a good start. I know this sounds silly, Xhekaj needs to play, but if they would just drop the gloves, hockey peace would be restored.