Arber Xhekaj reacts to Jacob Trouba receiving no penalty for hit on Barron (Credit: IMAGN)
Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj has a message for Rangers captain Jacob Trouba after his hit on Justin Barron. The hit happened in the third period when the Rangers were leading 52.
Barron was carrying the puck when Trouba delivered a hard check that knocked him down. Canadiens defenseman Mike Matheson quickly went after Trouba. Both players received penalties for fighting. Barron was helped off the ice and went to the trainers room.
To throw a hit like that, I didnt like to see it. I probably would have done something if I was in the lineup, but well definitely remember it and see what happens next game, Xhekaj said regarding the hit to Barron.
#Habs Arber Xhekaj on #NYR Trouba’s hit on Justin Barron: “to throw a hit like that, I didn’t like to see it and know I probably would have done something if I was in the line-up or addressed it for sure but we’ll definitely remember it and see what happens next game.”
Priyanta Emrith (@HabsInHighHeels) October 23, 2024
Trouba was not penalized during the game, but many Canadiens fans and players felt he should have. Canadiens forward Brendan Gallagher said:
They had a clean hit on the ice, we have a hit to the head from a player thats had multiple, multiple warnings.
Coach Martin St. Louis also questioned the legality of the hit, claiming the first contact was with Barrons head.
After reviewing the play, the NHL said Troubas hit was a legal full-body check. The main contact was with Barrons chest. If there was contact with his head, it was not deemed intentional. Trouba is known for his physical style of play and has been suspended twice before. Xhekajs comments suggest more action in the next game against Trouba.
Rangers dominated Arber Xhekajs Habs
The New York Rangers had a strong start against the Montreal Canadiens, winning 72 at Bell Centre. They scored four goals in the first period. Mika Zibanejad opened the scoring just 54 seconds into the game with a one-timer.
Jonny Brodzinski quickly made it 20 at 2:05, beating Montreals goalie off a pass from Adam Edstrom. Reilly Smith pushed the lead to 30 at 6:40 after taking the puck from Canadiens rookie Lane Hutson.
Filip Chytil scored a power-play goal at 11:05, bringing the score to 40. This goal led to Canadiens goalie Samuel Montembeault being replaced by Cayden Primeau. Canadiens forward Nick Suzuki scored twice, making it 41 and 42 with a five-hole shot and a backhand goal.
Despite Suzukis efforts, the Rangers regained control. Braden Schneider scored at 8:57 of the second period to make it 52. In the third period, Chytil scored his second goal at 15:41, and Kaapo Kakko added another goal at 16:19, finalizing the score at 72.
Ryan Lindgren returned from injury and played well, contributing to the teams strong performance. Arber Xhekaj was a healthy scratch during the game.
