The Capitals’ big players had (more) fun last night against the CH.
Alex Ovechkin (eight checks) and Tom Wilson (four checks) bothered the Habs all night long, and it was clear that the Caps had the physical advantage.
If only the CH had a player in its ranks that it could use to try and change this trend… #Ouain
Because no, Arber Xhekaj didn’t play last night.
Martin St-Louis decided to leave him out again, and the results are the same as in the first game. Will this prompt the coach to change his line-up for tomorrow’s game at the Bell Centre?
If not… David Ettedgui (BPM Sports) is beginning to think this may be a personal vendetta against the Sheriff.
We don’t know if Arber Xhekaj did anything wrong outside the rink. Nor do we know if the Canadiens are punishing him for X reason.
What we do know is that the defenseman has some flaws in his game… but that he can still help command respect on the ice.
Arber isn’t small, after all, and he doesn’t hesitate before throwing down the gloves to defend his teammates.
Michel Bergeron’s comments are also along these lines: right now, Jayden Struble isn’t the greatest guy on earth.
And as long as I have an average Struble – who hasn’t been super physical since the start of the playoffs – in the line-up… I’d rather have an average Xhekaj, because at least Arber hits the opposition.
The way things have been going for almost a month now, I won’t be falling off my chair if Xhekaj has to take another pass tomorrow night.
But at this point, it would really make sense to send him into the fray. The Habs are trailing 0-2 in their series against the Capitals, and they need to find a new way to bring energy into the lineup.
And for sure, if St-Louis gives Xhekaj the go, he’ll be hungry as a lion.
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