Player Discussion Arber Xhekaj the Sheriff Returns Edition

[OldCraig71]

Xhekaj was ahead of Struble earlier in the season but Struble stuck with the coaches instructions and worked with them whereas it is clear Xhekaj couldn’t demonstrate this and lost his coach’s trust.

No one has anything to say when the possibility comes that Xhekaj has repeatedly not listened to instructions over the course of the season.

You can’t keep making the same mistakes when you’re not even a full time NHLer

Struble only drew back in once Guhle cut his leg. It was him or a callup from Laval. He got the call by default.

 

[TomKosto]

Are you kidding? Playoff hockey is nothing like the regular season, and guys like Wilson are looking for every edge possible. I guarantee you he will be going after Laine Hutson, just wait and see.

He doesn't have to fear Xhekaj, but he has to be held in check, and knowing that Arber would return the favor against Strome or some other forward would make him think twice.

He’s not gonna think twice (Hitting Hutson) because Xhekaj can hit Strome, wtf is that take. It’s Tom Wilson. I think we need Xhekaj because I don’t see any front net clearer.

 

[417]

Are you kidding? Playoff hockey is nothing like the regular season, and guys like Wilson are looking for every edge possible. I guarantee you he will be going after Laine Hutson, just wait and see.

Well of course he will be going after Lane Hutson, they all will.

Why would that change with Arber Xhekaj? You think his sole presence changes that factor?

He doesn't have to fear Xhekaj, but he has to be held in check, and knowing that Arber would return the favor against Strome or some other forward would make him think twice.

Like YOU said, its playoff hockey. So I seriously doubt that.

If/when Xhekaj gets an opportunity, he’ll have to take advantage of it.

But I don't see them changing the lineup game 1.

 

[Tyson]

He’s not gonna think twice (Hitting Hutson) because Xhekaj can hit Strome, wtf is that take. It’s Tom Wilson. I think we need Xhekaj because I don’t see any front net clearer.

Xhekaj is vitally needed. The intimidation factor goes down for Hab players because of Arber being in the line up. Hockey has always been and will always be a game of intimidation.
Also, Arber will be given more leeway in the playoffs since there are barely any rules for some reason.

 

[OldCraig71]

He’s not gonna think twice (Hitting Hutson) because Xhekaj can hit Strome, wtf is that take. It’s Tom Wilson. I think we need Xhekaj because I don’t see any front net clearer.

We need Xhekaj for a variety of reasons, and the one I listed isn't a bad take, but it is the way it works in the playoffs.

 

[417]

He’s not gonna think twice (Hitting Hutson) because Xhekaj can hit Strome, wtf is that take. It’s Tom Wilson. I think we need Xhekaj because I don’t see any front net clearer.

Why would Tom Wilson change his game for a player who IF he plays, might play 12 mins?

I get the intimidation factor, but Tom Wilson isn't going to turn into a p***ycat cause Arber Xhekaj is playing.

 

[Habano]

I'm a huge X fan and what I know is this. There are many GMs that would take him in a heartbeat. Why did we keep hearing that other teams really wanted him but Hugo kept saying they're not trading him?

I'm not worried for X, the kid will be playing in the NHL for years to come and whether it's with us or another team remains to be seen. I hope he stays but, if he does, he has to be in the lineup. Im sure teams like the Leafs, Bruins, Sens and others would find a way to keep him in the lineup every night.

If I were X and this continued, I'd definitely ask for a trade. If it doesn't happen, wait it out and sign an offer sheet at the end of next season. You know there will be some coming his way because contrary to what this haters may may want you to believe, there are other teams that want him.

 

[Kennerback]

He was praised many times on this board during the season for his steady play and physical presence. It's the old appeal to authority complex in action yet again. If person X makes a certain decision, then it must be the correct action.

Well of course he will be going after Lane Hutson, they all will.

Why would that change with Arber Xhekaj? You think his sole presence changes that factor?



Like YOU said, its playoff hockey. So I seriously doubt that.

If/when Xhekaj gets an opportunity, he’ll have to take advantage of it.

But I don't see them changing the lineup game 1.

It guaranteed a long career to Gretzky and Yzerman. If someone looked at them crooked, they got summarily beaten to a pulp by Semenko and Probert. Other teams learned quickly.

 

[OldCraig71]

Well of course he will be going after Lane Hutson, they all will.

Why would that change with Arber Xhekaj? You think his sole presence changes that factor?



Like YOU said, its playoff hockey. So I seriously doubt that.

If/when Xhekaj gets an opportunity, he’ll have to take advantage of it.

But I don't see them changing the lineup game 1.

They won't change the lineup unless we go down 2-0 in the series. I don't think that Arber is someone the Caps are scared of, but I do believe he is someone who can even things up if the Caps take liberties.

I don't know how long you have been a Habs fan, but we always had guys like Xhekaj when we were successful. Playoff hockey is much tougher than the regular season, and certain players can affect the outcome of games without appearing on the scoresheet.

 

[CrazyBob]

Xhekaj should take Savard spot and keep Savard for emergencies only during the playoff

 

[habdynasty]

The leafs will probably win the cup with Reevo in their lineup. no one will hit them. The Habs should learn from them

 

[Egresch]

...based on talent, I think we ALL know who SHOULD sit, but he won't...especially cuz he's retiring at the end of the Season...

Savard has been clearly the weakest link in our defense, but MSL will never hold him accountable.
Struble-Hutson
Matheson-Guhle
Xhekaj-Carrier
We know that first two pairs can work.

 

[OldCraig71]

Xhekaj should take Savard spot and keep Savard for emergencies only during the playoff

Savard is a right D and Xhekaj is a lefty. I do believe that if he wants to stay in Montreal he may have to switch to the right side or convert to a 4th line forward.

 

[teamfirst]

Xhekaj is vitally needed. The intimidation factor goes down for Hab players because of Arber being in the line up. Hockey has always been and will always be a game of intimidation.
Also, Arber will be given more leeway in the playoffs since there are barely any rules for some reason.

Exactly, specially true with playoffs hockey

 

[417]

It guaranteed a long career to Gretzky and Yzerman. If someone looked at them crooked, they got summarily beaten to a pulp by Semenko and Probert. Other teams learned quickly.

I don't know, pretty sure there were other factors that also played a part into Yzerman and Gretzky’s longevity…

 

[teamfirst]

Xhekaj should take Savard spot and keep Savard for emergencies only during the playoff

Would agree with that if one of Strubble or Xhjeka could be trusted on the PK but that's not the case

 

[BigDaddyLurch]

Savard has been clearly the weakest link in our defense, but MSL will never hold him accountable.
Struble-Hutson
Matheson-Guhle
Xhekaj-Carrier
We know that first two pairs can work.

...Guhle is much better on his natural left side and he & Carrier worked extremely well together...imo, this is an opportunity to play Xhekaj with Methhead and see if he can take the defensive responsibility...no one has us moving on from Washington, so why not do it in a Pressure situation and see if Xhekaj can handle it??...

 

[BigDaddyLurch]

Would agree with that if one of Strubble or Xhjeka could be trusted on the PK but that's not the case

...we don't KNOW that cuz Marty won't even give it a shot...this is a Marty fail...try them and see...

 

[Tyson]

Why would Tom Wilson change his game for a player who IF he plays, might play 12 mins?

I get the intimidation factor, but Tom Wilson isn't going to turn into a p***ycat cause Arber Xhekaj is playing.

No but opposing players know Arber will punish them to pay Wilson's antics back.

 

[Kennerback]

I don't know, pretty sure there were other factors that also played a part into Yzerman and Gretzky’s longevity…

I think Yzerman could have probably survived, but Gretzky wouldn’t have survived the first couple of years without deterrence IMO. Maybe some old timers can disagree. I don’t think so. And just to be clear I’m not talking about fighting. I’m talking a unilateral beatdown whether the guy’s an enforcer or not.

 

[Habano]

Savard is a right D and Xhekaj is a lefty. I do believe that if he wants to stay in Montreal he may have to switch to the right side or convert to a 4th line forward.

I agree with you but I don't know why he would want to stay, especially to play for a coach who you know would bench you the second you make your first mistake. I wouldn't want to play under that kind of pressure.

 

[417]

They won't change the lineup unless we go down 2-0 in the series. I don't think that Arber is someone the Caps are scared of, but I do believe he is someone who can even things up if the Caps take liberties.

Sure, like I said if he gets an opportunity it’ll be up to him to take advantage.

Just responding to the Tom Wilson part, he's not going to change how he plays purely because of the presence of AX.

I don't know how long you have been a Habs fan, but we always had guys like Xhekaj when we were successful. Playoff hockey is much tougher than the regular season, and certain players can affect the outcome of games without appearing on the scoresheet.

Been a Habs fan for almost 40 years and I do recall that in our last Cup conquest, Todd Ewen played 6 of a possible 20 games.

I also recall that Lyle Odelein played all 20, he was tough but he played all games because he was good defensively and kept his game simple.

That's ultimately why AX isn't in the lineup, because his ability to fight can't be the only reason he's playing.

I'm not all that nostalgic so I don't see the purpose of trying to compare how teams won in by-gone eras, the game is different today.

I do understand what you're saying, but his ability to play his game and be reliable, has been ithe issue of why he's not in the lineup.

Should MSL take out Struble exclusively so he can have a deterrent?

I don't know…for now, I wouldn't change the lineup.

 

[417]

No but opposing players know Arber will punish them to pay Wilson's antics back.

He's bareky played the last few games because he's hurt the Habs more than any other opponent though.

 

[Habs13]

Savard announces he's going to retire after the playoffs!!! Woohoo!!

 

[417]

I think Yzerman could have probably survived, but Gretzky wouldn’t have survived the first couple of years without deterrence IMO. Maybe some old timers can disagree. I don’t think so. And just to be clear I’m not talking about fighting. I’m talking a unilateral beatdown whether the guy’s an enforcer or not.

Again, not suggesting that fear/intimidation isn't still a factor in the game today, it is, just in a different way.

But I don't see the value in trying to bring up hockey from the 70s and 80s anymore.