To the surprise of precisely zero fans on either side, the penultimate preseason game of the Montreal Canadiens’ calendar against the Ottawa Senators turned into a gong show. The Habs took a 5-0 decision in the game, but the score was never important. A quick glance at the lineups ahead of this game told everyone that the real battle would be coming out of this game healthy.

When things inevitably deteriorated, it was a good thing that the Habs had Arber Xhekaj around.

We salute you, Mr. Sheriff. pic.twitter.com/kjbRoGBMuA

— Matt Drake (@DrakeMT) October 1, 2025

Xhekaj, his brother Florian, and Jayden Struble all contributed to a very clear message in this game. Whatever your opinion on fighting may be, the above video came immediately after one of the Sens’ goons took a healthy run right at the numbers of Alex Newhook. The offender for that hit was ejected, but a message needed to be sent nonetheless.

They did that, then they sent another one later in the game when Zack MacEwen decided the first one didn’t take. Why the Sens are icing as many players with zero chance of making the NHL this late in the preseason is another question, but the Habs answered by letting them and anyone else watching know that any liberties taken against them will be responded to in kind.

Of course, this message didn’t exactly get to everyone on the Senators’ bench.

Noted dirtbag Nick Cousins with a straight up axe chop at Ivan Demidov’s wrist. pic.twitter.com/Q4eDik94r8

— Matt Drake (@DrakeMT) October 1, 2025

Nick Cousins doing something disgusting is about the least surprising thing to happen in this game. Assuming the NHL does nothing about this, that game tells us we shouldn’t be very surprised if he’s forced to answer the bell for it in the preseason finale. I’d personally like to see much less fighting in that finale, but I think even the more anti-fighting sect of Habs fans would like to see that one at least.

Donovan Sebrango likely won’t be around to answer for his cheap shot on Kirby Dach later in the game, but he’ll be seeing Florian in the AHL eventually.

Unfortunately the actions of the Xhekajs and Struble didn’t prevent further violence, but everyone on the other side is now on notice. If they can’t defend their teammates, you can be damn well sure they’ll avenge them.

Click the play button below to listen to your full Bottom Six Minutes, also available wherever you get your podcasts. We’ll be back for the last game of the preseason this Saturday against… Ah, you know who it is.