Photo credit: Screenshot
This Sunday, live from Tampa Bay, Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj once again sent a strong message.
Xhekaj dropped the gloves, then immediately called for the medical staff.
In the first period against the Lightning, Xhekaj squared off with Scott Sabourin. The fight was short but heavy, and it ended badly for the Tampa Bay Lightning forward. After a crushing right hand, Sabourin collapsed, and everyone held their breath-including, visibly, Xhekaj.
Arber Xhekaj made a classy gesture after his fight against Scott Sabourin and yelled to ask for help
He immediately shouted toward the bench to ask for assistance.
Xhekaj, who stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 240 pounds, is also under contract for two years, worth a total of 2.6 million.
On the other side, Sabourin is 33 years old and is known as a tough guy. He signed a one-year contract worth $775,000 with the Lightning.
Let’s truly hope he’s doing well tomorrow morning, but one thing is certain: Xhekaj once again sent a strong message to the National Hockey League.
In recent weeks, Xhekaj’s name has often come up when discussing his place in the lineup. Jayden Struble and Adam Engstrom are pushing, and every game becomes a small audition.
You can like fights or not, but you always want to see respect. And we saw that here. Above all, we hope Scott Sabourin is okay after that fall.
“A crushing right hand from Xhekaj. Sabourin collapses.
Xhekaj immediately signals to the Lightning’s medical staff.
The players respect each other. Great to see.
This is truly not an easy job.”
– Anthony Martineau
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics