Photo credit: Screenshot
We were treated to a highly entertaining game last night at the Bell Centre between the Montreal Canadiens and the Tampa Bay Lightning.
A game filled with physical play, where veteran Corey Perry made sure to leave his mark, notably bloodying young Lane Hutson’s face.
As expected, “the Sheriff” Arber Xhekaj was not going to let the 40-year-old agitator target his teammates without responding.
True to his role, the Canadiens’ rugged defenseman took matters into his own hands by confronting Perry directly on the ice.
As first noted by journalist Stu Cowan on X, Corey Perry declined the invitation.
“Lightning’s Corey Perry wanting nothing to do with Habs Arber Xhekaj after getting challenged in corner. Not a surprise.” noted the Montreal Gazette reporter.
Perry clearly only wanted to dance with Lane Hutson.
It is indeed very rare to see players, even the toughest ones, willingly drop the gloves with Canadiens number 72.
However, the interaction didn’t end there.
In an apparent attempt to save face after declining the fight, Perry seemed to resort to words, telling Xhekaj that he would eventually go after him.
Arber Xhekaj fires back at Corey Perry with confident on-ice response
That was a misunderstanding of Xhekaj’s outspoken nature if anyone thought he wouldn’t respond!
Sportsnet journalist Eric Engels revealed on X the sharp (and memorable) reply Xhekaj delivered to his opponent during the game.
“Xhekaj to Perry, who’s saying he’s coming after him:
‘I’d love to see that. I’d love to see that. I can’t wait, buddy.'” reported Engels.
This cold response perfectly illustrates the confidence Arber Xhekaj brings to the ice.
Perry may have over 1,300 NHL games of experience and a reputation for getting under opponents’ skin, but Xhekaj made it clear he would not be intimidated.
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics
POLL
3 HOURS AGO|490 ANSWERS
Corey Perry backs down from Arber Xhekaj, then gets an unforgettable response
Did you like Arber Xhekaj’s response to put Corey Perry in his place on the ice?