The Montreal Canadiens are navigating a challenging season, but on Saturday night, head coach Martin St. Louis made a bold decision that paid immediate dividends — giving Arber Xhekaj more ice time and a chance to start each period. This move, which is unusual for a player often relegated to the third defensive pair, proved to be a game-changer, resulting in one of Xhekaj’s best performances of the season.
Typically, Xhekaj logs an average of just 11:09 of ice time per game as the team’s sixth defenseman, which means limited opportunities to establish a rhythm. His role rarely includes power-play or penalty-kill shifts, leaving him with few chances to get into the flow of the game. As Eric Engels of Sportsnet pointed out, Xhekaj often struggles to adapt to the tempo when his shifts are sporadic, and he doesn’t get the chance to set the tone early. But when St. Louis gave him the chance to start each period on Saturday, the results were striking.
“IT’S ALL ABOUT GETTING THAT TRUST AND CONFIDENCE FROM THE COACH. WHEN YOU’RE OUT THERE AT THE BEGINNING, YOU CAN REALLY FEEL THE GAME AND GET INTO A RHYTHM. THAT MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE.” —
Arber Xhekaj
Xhekaj responded to the opportunity with a standout performance. He played 14 minutes — nearly 3 more than his season average — and was one of the team’s most physical players, registering 4 hits, which tied him for the lead with Jayden Struble. He also had 2 shots on goal and finished the game with a +2 rating, which was only the second time this season he had a positive plus-minus. Xhekaj was able to impose his physicality, something he had struggled with in past games due to his inconsistent ice time. This time, he had the chance to settle into the game, and it showed.
“WHEN YOU’RE GIVEN THAT RESPONSIBILITY AT THE START OF A PERIOD, YOU’RE ALREADY IN THE GAME MENTALLY, AND THAT’S HUGE. IT ALLOWS YOU TO PLAY YOUR BEST AND SET THE TONE.” —
Tony Marinaro (Sick Podcast)
Engels believes this could be the key to unlocking Xhekaj’s potential. “The more time he gets, the more consistent his play will be,” Engels said on the Sick Podcast. “Xhekaj just needed a little more trust from St. Louis, and we saw the results.” Xhekaj was able to impose his physicality and play the kind of game he’s known for when given the chance to play consistently from the start.
While it may not be necessary for Xhekaj to start every game or every period, his performance on Saturday clearly demonstrated that consistent ice time — particularly in key moments — could elevate his game to another level. As Engels suggested, St. Louis should consider giving Xhekaj a few more minutes in each game, allowing him to be the physically dominant defender he is capable of being. With more trust and responsibility, Xhekaj could become one of the Canadiens’ most reliable and impactful defensemen.
The game on Saturday wasn’t just about Xhekaj’s performance, but also about the confidence and trust placed in him by his coach. For a player like Xhekaj, who’s often overlooked in favor of higher-pairing defensemen or special teams roles, this kind of trust is invaluable. St. Louis’ decision may have been a small one in the grand scheme of the season, but for Xhekaj, it was a defining moment that could set the tone for the rest of the year.
Do you agree with Engels’ assessment that more playing time will allow Arber Xhekaj to become a more effective and reliable defenseman for the Canadiens?
“Buffalo’s offense is sputtering, and some fans are wondering if Brian Daboll could be the cure for what ails them.”
The Buffalo Bills (6-3) have been struggling offensively, with their most recent lackluster performance coming in a 30-13 defeat to the Miami Dolphins. Despite facing one of the league’s worst defenses, Buffalo’s receivers failed to create any separation, and the offense was unable to get anything going through the first three quarters. It’s clear that the Bills’ offensive issues are becoming a growing concern.
However, today’s Buffalo Rumblings report quashed any hopes for those Bills fans calling for a change at offensive coordinator. Head coach Sean McDermott confirmed that Joe Brady would remain the team’s offensive coordinator through the end of the 2025 NFL season. Despite speculation that former offensive coordinator Brian Daboll could be brought back to help turn things around, McDermott swiftly dismissed the idea.
McDermott Shoots Down Daboll Return
When Daboll was fired as head coach of the New York Giants, rumors swirled about the possibility of a reunion with quarterback Josh Allen in Buffalo. McDermott wasted no time in shutting down those rumors, stating that he has confidence in Joe Brady and has no intention of bringing Daboll back to Buffalo.
“At this time, that is not something we are considering,” McDermott said when asked about the possibility of Daboll returning to Western New York.
The question remains: could Daboll have been the solution to Buffalo’s offensive struggles, or is the real issue something deeper? The Bills started the season strong but have since been cold, particularly in their loss to the Dolphins.
Dalton Kincaid’s Injury Puts More Pressure on Offense
Adding to Buffalo’s woes, tight end Dalton Kincaid, who has been one of Josh Allen’s most reliable targets this season, has been officially labeled “week-to-week” after suffering a hamstring injury in the Dolphins’ loss. Kincaid had been a standout, recording 29 catches for 448 yards and four touchdowns—leading the team in both receiving yards and touchdowns this year. His absence could further strain the already struggling offense.
As the Bills continue to deal with a variety of injuries, including to key players like Kincaid, the offense will need to find a way to regain its early-season form. While McDermott has expressed confidence in his current coaching staff, fans are left to wonder if a change in offensive philosophy or leadership might be what’s needed to reignite Buffalo’s high-powered attack.
More Updates on Bills’ Injuries and Roster Moves
As the Bills face a series of injuries, including to key offensive players, the team is also adding new faces to the practice squad. Stay tuned for updates as Buffalo looks to address its depth and find solutions to its current offensive struggles.