In the grand narrative of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, unexpected heroes often emerge. For the Canadiens, Arber Xhekaj’s Game 3 debut may be the birth of a new playoff folk hero
With physicality, heart, and a calm presence beyond his years, he embodied exactly what the Canadiens needed at exactly the right time.
As Montreal looks to build on this momentum, Xhekaj’s inspiring debut could be remembered as a pivotal turning point—not just in this series, but perhaps in his young and promising career.
Elliotte Friedman’s analysis captured the essence of Game 3 perfectly. Arber Xhekaj wasn’t just a contributor; he was a catalyst. He changed the emotional landscape of the series and gave his teammates—and fans—something to rally around.
As the Canadiens gear up for Game 4, all eyes will be on the rugged defenseman who refused to let his team back down. If Montreal does come back to win the series, they’ll look back at Game 3 and Arber Xhekaj’s performance as the turning point.
Also Read: Patrik Laine: Arber Xhekaj’s Missed Hit on Noel Acciari Ignites All-Out Brawl and Collaboration
Table of Contents
Arber Xhekaj Shines in Playoff Debut as Canadiens Overpower Capitals 6-3
In the high-stakes world of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, rookies are often tested in ways regular-season games cannot replicate.1
For Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj, his playoff debut in Game 3 against the Washington Capitals turned into an unforgettable night.
Playing just over 10 minutes, Xhekaj didn’t just skate; he made an impact that resonated across the ice and in the locker room.
His fearless style, physical presence, and willingness to stand up against tough customers like Tom Wilson and Lars Eller set the tone for Montreal’s emphatic 6-3 win.
Physical Presence Defines Xhekaj’s Debut
From the first shift, Xhekaj wasted no time establishing his brand of hockey. He delivered a big check on the notoriously physical Tom Wilson, sending a clear message that the Canadiens would not be pushed around.
Later, he dropped the gloves with Capitals forward Lars Eller, showcasing not just toughness, but a commitment to backing up his teammates when it mattered most.
While fighting in the NHL has become less frequent, moments like Xhekaj’s scrap remind fans and players alike that physicality still has a vital role in the postseason.
His presence energized the Canadiens’ bench and set a combative tone that Montreal maintained throughout the game.
Teammates Laud Arber Xhekaj’s Impact
After the final buzzer sounded, the praise for Xhekaj was unanimous inside the Canadiens’ locker room.2
Captain Nick Suzuki was one of the first to commend the young defenseman’s composure and grit.
“I thought he was great all night,” Suzuki said. “He’s under a lot of pressure out there, but he did his job tonight and played a really valuable role in the win. It was nice to get him back in the lineup and see him perform like that.”
Winger Josh Anderson echoed Suzuki’s praise, noting that Xhekaj’s contributions extended beyond his physical play.
“He’s a huge presence,” Anderson said. “He’s been waiting for this opportunity for a little bit now. Right from the get-go, he played unbelievable. He played simple, physical… Our guys loved having him in the lineup.”
Their words carried weight, highlighting how much of a morale boost Xhekaj’s fearless style gave the team at a crucial moment in the series.
Stepping Up Under Playoff Pressure
Playing your first NHL playoff game is pressure-packed enough, but doing it while facing players like Wilson and Ovechkin raises the stakes even higher. Xhekaj answered the call with poise that belied his inexperience.
Logging 10:05 minutes, he kept his game simple, avoided costly mistakes, and finished with a +1 rating and 2 PIMs from his fight.
It’s often said that the playoffs reveal a player’s true character. Based on Game 3, the Canadiens seem to have found a playoff warrior in Xhekaj.
Offensive Explosion Propels Canadiens
While Xhekaj captured much of the attention for his gritty play, Montreal’s offense was firing on all cylinders.
The Canadiens got goals from a balanced attack, with Cole Caufield, Brendan Gallagher, Alex Newhook, Alexandre Carrier, Juraj Slafkovsky, and Nick Suzuki all finding the back of the net.
This scoring depth proved critical in overwhelming the Capitals’ defense and goalies. It also showcased the Canadiens’ ability to roll four lines and generate pressure from multiple sources—a key ingredient for postseason success.
Montembeault and Dobes Hold the Fort
In goal, the Canadiens had to adjust mid-game when starter Sam Montembeault was replaced by Jakub Dobes.
Montembeault started strong but eventually gave way after facing a barrage of shots. Dobes stepped in and made seven saves, preserving Montreal’s comfortable lead.
The smooth transition between goalies illustrated the Canadiens’ readiness to adapt and the confidence they have in their young netminders to step up when needed.
Arber Xhekaj: More Than Just Toughness
While his physical play stole headlines, it’s important to note that Xhekaj showed sound defensive awareness too.3
He kept plays in front of him, made smart breakout passes, and avoided getting caught out of position—a notable achievement for a rookie in the postseason cauldron.
His performance hinted at a bright future not just as an enforcer, but as a reliable two-way defenseman who can contribute in critical situations.
Veteran Leaders Set the Example
The Canadiens’ leadership core also deserves credit for fostering a supportive environment for young players like Xhekaj.
Veterans such as Suzuki, Gallagher, and Anderson have led by example, balancing offensive contributions with a commitment to the team’s defensive structure.
It’s clear that the locker room culture encourages players to rise to the occasion rather than shrink from the moment—an essential component for any playoff success.
Looking Ahead to Game 4
As the series shifts to Game 4, the Canadiens now have the chance to take a commanding lead.
If they continue to get contributions from up and down the lineup—and if Xhekaj continues to play with the same swagger—Montreal could soon find themselves with one foot in the next round.
Meanwhile, the Capitals will need to regroup quickly, address their defensive breakdowns, and hope for better health and performance in goal if they hope to even the series.
Also Read: Arber Xhekaj (Hockey): Who Is He? Bio, Wiki, Age, Career, Playing Style, Net Worth 2024 and More
Arber Xhekaj’s Impact: Game-Changer for the Canadiens in Game 3
Game 3 of the Canadiens’ playoff series was charged with emotion, physicality, and intensity.
The night quickly turned into a battle of wills, and at the heart of it was defenseman Arber Xhekaj. After falling behind 2-0 in the series, the Canadiens needed a spark to change the momentum—and Xhekaj provided it.
From the moment the teams took the ice for warmups, the tone was different. Elliotte Friedman, speaking on Sportsnet, captured it best: “This was brewing ever since Xhekaj showed up on the ice for warmup.
The Canadiens fans were excited, and him and Wilson were the focus.” It wasn’t just another game; it was a statement.
The Flashpoint: Tom Wilson’s Hit on Jake Evans
Tensions finally boiled over midway through the second period. Tom Wilson, never one to shy away from controversy, delivered a heavy hit on Canadiens forward Jake Evans.
That hit ignited a series of escalating events, beginning with Ivan Demidov retaliating against Wilson by taking out his legs in a surprising display of aggression.
What shocked many observers, including Friedman, was Demidov’s response. “You’re not thinking that he (Demidov) is the kind of guy to do that,” Friedman remarked.
Demidov, known more for his skill than his physical play, made it clear that the Canadiens were not going to allow Wilson to dictate the physical terms of the game.
Arber Xhekaj’s Presence Changes the Dynamic
While Demidov’s move grabbed immediate attention, it was the steady influence of Arber Xhekaj that gave the Canadiens a new attitude.
Xhekaj’s reputation as a tough, fearless enforcer spread through both teams like wildfire. His presence alone made players like Wilson think twice before engaging in reckless behavior.
Friedman elaborated, noting that Xhekaj’s very existence in the lineup allowed the Canadiens to play a more aggressive, confident style.
Hits from Mike Matheson and Christian Dvorak soon followed Wilson’s antics, signaling a team-wide commitment to standing up for one another.
The Almost-Fight: Wilson vs. Xhekaj
Later in the period, the tension between Wilson and Xhekaj came to a head. The two tried to square off, but officials intervened before they could drop the gloves.
The mere attempt to fight, however, led to an even bigger melee involving several players, including Josh Anderson.
The crowd at the Bell Centre roared with approval. This wasn’t just about one fight—it was about sending a message. The Canadiens were done being pushed around.
View this post on Instagram
Friedman’s Insight: A Strategic Shift
Friedman emphasized during his Sportsnet segment that the Canadiens’ entire strategy shifted because of Xhekaj.
His presence wasn’t just about fighting; it emboldened the rest of the roster. Players who might otherwise shy away from physical confrontation found a new level of courage.
“You could see it,” Friedman said. “The way they responded to Wilson after the hit on Evans was different. That’s what a guy like Xhekaj brings to a playoff series.”
This psychological edge, particularly against a team that thrives on intimidation, was invaluable.
Statistical Impact: Xhekaj by the Numbers
- While Xhekaj’s most obvious contributions were intangible, his numbers also Capitals’ cycle with timely physical plays.
- Although he didn’t score, his fingerprints were all over the Canadiens’ 4-2 victotell part of the story.
- He registered several key hits, kept the front of the net clear, and disrupted thery.
- The Canadiens out-hit the Capitals 37-24—a statistic that highlighted their renewed physical dominance.
- With the series now standing at 2-1 in favor of the Capitals, the Canadiens are hopeful that Game 3’s momentum will carry over into Game 4.
- Sunday’s matchup at the Bell Centre promises to be another raucous affair, with the fans ready to fuel their team once again.
- Xhekaj will undoubtedly be a central figure. His emergence as a difference-maker has added a new dimension to a Canadiens team that had been searching for identity in the early games of the series.
Also Read: Marty St. Louis Finds Silver Lining in Canadiens’ OT Heartbreaker vs Maple Leafs
