Canadiens' Arber Xhekaj Took A Name Down But Should Be Careful

The Montreal Canadiens defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs by a 4-2 final score on Saturday. 

As expected, this game featured some rough stuff between the two Original Six rivals. Canadiens forward Kirby Dach was notably sucker-punched by a gloveless Brandon Duhaime while the ref was between them during a scrum.

Yet, Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj was the only player penalized from the multi-player scrum. Now, while speaking to reporters, Xhekaj made it clear that he has taken a name down with Duhaime. 

"I'm more mad about the punches being thrown at Kirby. Two-on-one. That guy punched him without a glove on. I didn't see that until the end. I got fined for punching a guy in the face last year with a glove on, never mind a glove off. So, that pissed me off, and I'll remember that one," Xhekaj said. 

It is easy to understand why Xhekaj is mad about Duhaime's sucker-punch on Dach. It would not be surprising in the slightest if he looks to get justice for it the next time the Canadiens play on Maple Leafs on Dec. 26.

However, Xhekaj should also be careful in the process. He should not take getting revenge too far, as that would not sit well with head coach Martin St. Louis and could get him back in his doghouse. That would not be ideal in the slightest for Xhekaj, as he is trying to maintain his spot in Montreal's lineup.

Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see how the Canadiens' next matchup against the Maple Leafs goes. Xhekaj would be a player to watch during the contest, assuming he is in the lineup.