There has been no love in the air at the Bell Center for several days. Especially not from Arber Xhekaj, who was sent off for the second time in a row.
• Also read: Xhekaj was sent off for the second time in a row after a dirty hit on Stützle
• Also read: Xhekaj loses his head and the Canadians lose the match
• Also read: WATCH: Roof takes justice into his own hands
After confronting Cédric Paré on Saturday, it was Tim Stützle’s turn to see him up close. The German was almost beheaded.
Furthermore, even if he missed his attack, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Canadian defenseman suffered the wrath of the NHL’s player safety department.
And that, even if Martin St-Louis wanted us to believe that it was a “hockey game”.
“I don’t think he wanted to hurt Stützle because they hurt Dach,” argued the Canadian head coach.
“What Xhekaj did didn’t bother me” – St-Louis –
“He just played his game. He’s a big guy. If a smaller defender tries the same shot, we don’t even talk about it,” he continued.
Stunned, a colleague asked him if he really believed that Xhekaj would have attempted that check if Ridly Greig Dach hadn’t injured earlier in the game.
“Yes,” he replied.
We’ll see if George Parros will be convinced.
Answer your actions
Curiously, the speech in the locker room was completely different. The question of revenge was a little more present.
“I will never speak ill of the guy who is our tough guy who has a role to play. “It was a dirty move by Greig against one of our best players,” said Jayden Struble. Arber walked to center ice and saw one of her best players. He wanted to make him pay. »
“Greig was not responsible for his actions, so it could have happened,” the defense attorney continued.
Struble said five or six Canadiens players asked Greig to throw away the gloves, including himself.
“I gave him a check. He didn’t want to go, he said. Something had to happen. Arber started after Strützle. He made sure he felt it.”
A lot of frustration
Additionally, neither Xhekaj nor Dach nor Michael Pezzetta were available in the dressing room. Apparently they had to take out some bad guys in the gym.
“A lot has happened in the last two games. The players strive for our best. “It brings frustration to our group,” David Savard said. We don’t want to beat the best players in the league. The world pays to see them play. We want them on the ice and not in the locker room being examined. »
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