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Anthony Martineau calls out Martin St-Louis for scratching Arber Xhekaj
Photo credit: All Montreal Hockey / NHL
The decision to leave Arber Xhekaj in the stands has triggered a major debate around the Canadiens, and especially around their identity.
Several observers, including Anthony Martineau, believe that by removing his natural aggressiveness, the team is being deprived of an essential element during a critical stretch of the schedule.
Indeed, Martineau did not hide his surprise upon seeing that Xhekaj would be scratched against Utah. I have to admit I was pretty surprised too.
He had even pointed out that very morning how solid the defenseman had been on Saturday, which makes the decision even harder to understand.
A clear message about how Arber Xhekaj is being managed and about expectations for the Canadiens
For him, removing a player who seemed to be finding his rhythm again at that precise moment is not good news.
"Crazy, honestly.
This morning, I mentioned how much I liked the version of Arber Xhekaj we saw on Saturday.
Tonight, he's being scratched.
Arber will never be a player like the others. If you take away his edge and his drive to go for it - even if it's a lot at times - you handcuff the player.
I don't like the decision to scratch him after his inspired performance on Saturday, where he seemed to have found himself again."
- Anthony Martineau
This morning, I mentioned how much I liked the version of Arber Xhekaj we saw on Saturday.
Tonight, he's being scratched.
Arber will never be a player like the others. If you take away his edge and his drive to go for it - even if it's a lot at times - you handcuff the player.
I don't like the decision to scratch him after his inspired performance on Saturday, where he seemed to have found himself again."
- Anthony Martineau
Let's be clear: Xhekaj is not a "smooth" player, and that is precisely why he can change a game. By trying too hard to polish him, the Canadiens risk losing what makes him so valuable.
Martineau also points out that every decision from Martin St-Louis is closely watched, and that such a move - at a time when the team is searching for stability and energy - might not have the desired effect.
I personally believe this reflection will matter for the rest of his season and for how the coaching staff chooses to use him.
Previously on All Montreal Hockey
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