The rivalry between the Montreal Canadiens and the Boston Bruins took center stage at Bell Centre on Sunday, showcasing a classic Original Six showdown. The game was a back-and-forth battle that featured five goals and two fights, with the Bruins coming out on top in both aspects.
In the closing seconds of the game, tensions boiled over as Nikita Zadorov and Jayden Strubble engaged in a physical altercation, exchanging punches before being separated by officials. Shortly after, at the 3:52 mark, Arber Xhekaj and Tanner Jeannot also dropped the gloves. Xhekaj, known as the Canadiens’ enforcer, found himself on the losing end of the fight, hitting the ground after a few punches.
Following the game, fans took to social media to mock Xhekaj for his performance, highlighting his lackluster impact on the season despite his reputation for physical play. Some fans criticized his fighting abilities, while others questioned his overall contribution to the team.
According to TSLH, this marked Xhekaj’s 24th major fight in the NHL, with a track record of winning 15 of those fights. However, he has faced three losses in his fights this season, including the recent bout against Jeannot, as well as matchups against Sam Carrick of the New York Rangers and Nic Deslauriers of the Philadelphia Flyers.
In addition to the on-ice altercations, the Bruins showcased a stellar penalty kill performance in their 3-2 victory over the Canadiens. The team went a perfect 7-for-7 on the penalty kill, including successfully defending against two 5-on-3 opportunities. Forward David Pastrnak credited the penalty kill unit for their crucial role in securing the win, emphasizing the importance of capitalizing on such opportunities in hockey.
Goalie Jeremy Swayman also played a key role in the Bruins’ victory, making 26 saves and thwarting a late comeback attempt by the Canadiens. With the win, Boston improved to a 12-8-0 record, while Montreal sits at 12-6-2 for the season.
Overall, the intense rivalry between the Canadiens and Bruins provided fans with a thrilling game filled with action both on and off the ice. The Bruins’ strong penalty kill and solid goaltending ultimately secured the win, highlighting their resilience and determination in a highly competitive matchup.
