In the hours following Tuesday’s Montreal Canadiens vs. New York Rangers contest, outside of the final score, all discussions centered around Jacob Trouba’s questionable hit on Justin Barron.
As expected, the NHL deemed the hit “clean,” and no further discipline was handed down. This left an entire province crying foul about the play and the league’s lack of respect for protecting players.
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Meanwhile, lost in the shuffle is the fact that Mike Matheson chose to drop the gloves with Trouba, a role usually reserved for defenseman Arber Xhekaj.
However, the 23-year-old was a healthy scratch for the second straight game, missing out on the 7-2 blowout.
On Wednesday, Xhekaj had a chance to meet with the media and didn’t shy away from saying there was no need for a hit like that, considering the game was all but over at that point, and then said that he “will definitely remember.”
It will be an exciting storyline because these two Original Six rivals reconnect on November 30 at Madison Square Garden.
And for those who need a refresher that the Rangers are not opposed to defend their home ice, here’s a line brawl with the New Jersey Devils.
Interestingly, this is the same Rangers team in a line brawl that would produce the best record in the NHL, capturing the Presidents’ Trophy.
Even though the Canadiens are not at the same talent level as New York, their next tilt on November 30 will be one of the most-watched contests.
Ultimately, the tone for the night falls at the hands of head coach Martin St-Louis, who has to decide whether to dress Xhekaj that night, knowing that his only mission will be to seek and challenge Trouba.
But that’s why they call Xhekaj “The Sheriff,” because he is the most fearless skater in the Canadiens lineup.
Related: Canadiens Defenseman Departs Game After Questionable Hit From Trouba
Related: Canadiens Prospect Demidov Records Another Four-Point Game
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