Arber Xhekaj Speaks Out After Third-Period Bench by St-Louis
After a strong series of performances, Arber Xhekaj faced a challenging moment during the Montreal Canadiens’ game against the Vancouver Canucks. Following the Canucks’ third goal, Xhekaj saw limited ice time, leading to speculation about his standing with the team.
Third-Period Bench by Martin St-Louis
During the game’s final period, Xhekaj was completely absent from the ice. According to analyst Anthony Martineau, Xhekaj had not participated in any shifts since the third goal by Vancouver. This decision by head coach Martin St-Louis was particularly notable as it came after Xhekaj had made a significant turnover that contributed to that goal.
Impact of the Bench Time
Such decisions do not go unnoticed, especially among teammates and fans at the Bell Centre. When a player submerges into the background following a pivotal moment, it quickly becomes a talking point. However, Xhekaj chose to take the situation in stride. He acknowledged the pressures that come with making mistakes but stressed that he is focused on playing rather than worrying about potential repercussions.
Xhekaj’s Mindset
- Xhekaj stated, “When you’re out of the lineup, it’s tough. Every mistake feels magnified.”
- He expressed a focus on his game rather than concerns about the benching.
- St-Louis’s approach is consistent; the coach aims to address specific errors instead of targeting a player’s broader contributions.
Looking Ahead
The Canadiens managed to secure a 6-3 victory against the Canucks, but Xhekaj’s situation remains uncertain. The question now is whether he will return to the lineup in their next game or if there will be continued pressure regarding his performance.
