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Arber Xhekaj sends a warning message to NHL teams as Canadiens wrap up preseason
Arber Xhekaj is making a name for himself as the Montreal Canadiens finish their preseason. He is sending a message to NHL teams about the Canadiens' toughness as the team showed both skill and physicality in their six preseason games. They accumulated significant penalty minutes, including 27 PIM against the Toronto Maple Leafs and 17 PIM against the Ottawa Senators.
After a Saturday match against the Senators, Xhekaj spoke to the media. He highlighted the team's youth and skill, saying:
"I think we got a younger team we have a couple small skill players and we We got each other's back where we got a really tight bond in the room and if you mess with one you're messing with all so I think that's that's kind of our mindset we're not going to get pushed around this year."
A reporter asked Xhekaj about balancing his physical play and skill. He replied:
"I'm just I'm here for my teammates and if they need me to do something I'll be there I'll be that guy and I put that on myself I want to be that guy and I got everyone's back so."
Xhekaj's actions on the ice back up his words. In a preseason rematch against the Senators, he cross-checked Adam Gaudette just 90 seconds into the game. This led to a fight with Zack MacEwen. Both players received five-minute majors, but for Xhekaj, it was worth it to assert his presence.
After the early fight, the first period had no more incidents. Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis decided to rest key players to avoid injuries.
"We won't take a chance. The first line won't play tonight," St. Louis said.
The Canadiens will face the Senators again on October 12, with both teams at full strength.
NHL fans react to Arber Xhekaj's rising reputation following preseason fight
Arber Xhekaj fought Zack MacEwen early in a preseason game between the Canadiens and Senators after Xhekaj cross-checked Adam Gaudette. This led to reactions from NHL fans on X.
Gino Hard posted on X, saying:
"Arber Xhekaj answers for his hit on Stutzle and pummels Zack MacEwen."
Fans had mixed reactions to this:
"Xhekaj can’t be touched," a fan said.
"habs are such bush league, it’s preseason and they’ve already had like 4 fights," a fan commented.
"Bro will fight only none goons, if he enters a fight clean instead of cheap shotting it’s against someone soft. Life of arber," a fan tweeted.
Arber Xhekaj's reputation is growing, and he is ready for the upcoming challenges.
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