Xhekaj tossed from another game.

[Zalos]

After seeing all the best angles, it seems pretty clear to me that Xhekaj didn't get Stutzle in the head and that he did not use his elbow. I don't like how people are trying to justify their anger by claiming they know exactly what was in Xhekaj's mind (you can't know that). This is exactly how I felt about people claiming Paré tried to injure Laine in the previous game.

That being said, it still looks bad. Especially in context. It's easier to presume the worst about Xhekaj's intentions after what happened to Dach earlier in the game, and after we saw Xhekaj go for Paré the other day.

Still, I understand what Xhekaj is trying to do. A few key players for the Habs have been injured in this preseason and the team is probably frustrated and restless. He thinks that his job is to "do something" for his team. To stand up for them. I'm just not sure this is the way to go. He's probably bound to be suspended just to make an example out of him, and I don't know how the organization will look at him long term.

EDIT: Can I just say... PLEASE stay healthy Dach? The hell is going on. It's like he's the unluckiest hockey player to play the game currently.

 

[The Great Weal]

That's cute. A Habs fan ripping another team for a high draft pick bust.

Our management didn’t claim the rebuild is over. You guys sure taught the Habs a lesson by injuring 3 of your key players.

 

[Bounces R Way]

 

[JJ68]

Precautionary. Didn't even need them to win the preseason game.

enjoy your preseason chalice

 

[Spearmint Rhino]

This is on his teammates for 2nd game in a row, nobody comes to the defense of the Habs player laying on the ice when it happens so he needs to seek retribution later on. Very similar hit as Greig on Dach but Kirby doesn't have the flopping skills to really sell it. Will be no suspension still as the head wasn't the target even if the hit was late

 

[Roo]

Suspend this turd.

 

[HairyKneel]

I like the anger. Good to see some hate back in the game.

Dirty hits coming from both sides. The game is so damn vanilla now. The fans get more riled up than the players. It's adorable.

 

[OneSharpMarble]

Ottawa fans are giddy when running our best guys but man the tears start to flow when they are on the receiving end.

 

[Bounces R Way]

https://x.com/i/web/status/1841316416303067190

Rarely am I guy who thinks a different angle changes anything, but that 2nd angle changes everything. Looks like #72 doesn't get any head with either shoulder or elbow but it's Stutzle's own stick that does the damage. From the 1st angle I thought he would be getting suspended for sure. Should be included in the OP.

Also if posters were seriously trying to blame Laine for 'skating with a wide stance' in the last thread, what is Stutzle doing crossing the blueline completely unaware of what the weakside defenseman is doing? That is exactly how you get lit up and he's probably fortunate Xhexaj misses his center mass. That's why we keep two hands on the stick sonny

 

[ChurchOfMatthews]

Not really because he was never a diver in the first place.

Lol, wut?

 

[Spargon]

Man I wish scrubs would stop targeting star players. Hope he gets suspended, back to back games in pre-season with these antics. Dude needs his head examined and stop believing the hype Montreal fans put on him lol he ain't shit.

Edit: Watched it again and Jackoff even turtles what a punk, does a flying elbow and then turtles absolutely gutless coward.

 

[Bourne Endeavor]

I defended Xhekaj on mauling Pare given the circumstances and lack of accountability from the refs. After this though, he needs to sit at least a couple games. There's absolutely zero reason for him picking the head like that. Especially seeing the hit on Dach wasn't even a head hit.

Xhekaj can't just decide to go vigilante if he wants any future in the NHL.

 

[Walksss]

I defended Xhekaj on mauling Pare given the circumstances and lack of accountability from the refs. After this though, he needs to sit at least a couple games. There's absolutely zero reason for him picking the head like that. Especially seeing the hit on Dach wasn't even a head hit.

Xhekaj can't just decide to go vigilante if he wants any future in the NHL.

https://x.com/i/web/status/1841316416303067190

How did he pick the head?

It's for sure late and definitely a penalty but he gets all shoulder. Stutzle high sticks himself and dives.

 

[Peasy]

So glad DOPS are doing a wonderful job keeping the players they employ safe

No way this could have been prevented from happening

 

[Spearmint Rhino]

https://x.com/i/web/status/1841316416303067190

How did he pick the head?

It's for sure late and definitely a penalty but he gets all shoulder. Stutzle high sticks himself and dives.

Pays to have one of those ejection helmets as well to really sell it, it’s called a chin strap Timmy, maybe use it but the helmet even goes flying the opposite direction of where Arber is skating.

If he’s suspended it will be based on the name and back to back games of seeking retaliation not on this hit alone

 

[TheBeastCoast]

He’s gonna be one of the best cease clearing defenders from that division, but go off

I mean the thing is...he is really bad at defending his own zone lol yes I am sure he can cross check the f*** out of people in front of the net though.

 

[HabstuckinTO]

Then the Habs wonder why they have so many injuries.

Strange logic, but OK...

 

[habsrule4eva3089]

That second angle changes everything.

Definitely not a suspension and just unlucky and nothing more than a minor. That second clip should be main video in the OP. He knew what he was doing and timed it to nearly perfection barring Stutzles own stick hitting himself lol.

Fair game for what Greig did earlier.

 

[TheDoldrums]

This is all compounding perceived slights from the Toronto game. The Habs feel they're owed blood for the injuries they've taken. Can I say how insane it is to include Reinbacher in that ledger? Reasonable people can disagree about the Pare one that but the Reinbacher play was literally nothing. And I've still seen sentiment about how the Habs need to be enforcers partially because they lost a 5th overall pick to injury.

 

[dirtydanglez]

2 to 5 games would be fair

 

[Shocker]

Suspend Stutzle's stick.

Like i get emotions are running high, but that stick did all the damage there.

 

[Esko6]

Because he hurt your feelings?

Because he tried to concuss another player outside of play and is a repeat offender? What the heck do my feelings have to do with this?

 

[Haatley]

Except Xhekaj didn't hit him in the head.

Greig didn't touch his head. Xhekaj went for the head and Stutzle's hands just happened to be in the way

Suspend Stutzle's stick.

Like i get emotions are running high, but that stick did all the damage there.

Um what? He clearly targeted the head and would have hit him in the head had Stutzle not had his hand there.

Retaliation. Intent to injure. Turtle. The guy is a POS.

 

[dirtydanglez]

https://x.com/i/web/status/1841316416303067190

How did he pick the head?

It's for sure late and definitely a penalty but he gets all shoulder. Stutzle high sticks himself and dives.

coming in from the blindside.

wheres the puck? might need to bring back the glow puck just so i can find it in the second replay

 

[Pickles]

Ottawa fans are giddy when running our best guys but man the tears start to flow when they are on the receiving end.

Their tears are delicious. The Sherriff is sending a message to the rest of the league. You mess with the Habs and you get a beating .