A Vital Game in the Nation's Capital

In a high-stakes showdown to secure a playoff berth, the Montreal Canadiens journeyed to Ottawa last night, vying not just for themselves but to ensure they didn't fall short of a wild card spot. The Ottawa Senators, already safely in the playoffs, had little to lose but still played with fervor, leaving the Habs struggling from the outset.

Could Xhekaj Have Made a Difference?

As I reflected on the match’s outcome, one burning question emerged: would the Canadiens have fared better with Arber Xhekaj in the lineup? Known for his gritty play, Xhekaj was surprisingly sidelined, leaving the Habs to face an aggressive Senators team that was ready to battle.

A Tough Start and Missed Chances

From the opening whistle, the Canadiens appeared overwhelmed, stunted by the Senators’ relentless pressure. Despite managing a few goals to stay competitive, their lackluster first period proved insurmountable. What could have been a game-changing presence in Xhekaj was sorely missed as the team struggled to find their footing.

Rest for Key Players?

One of the overlooked advantages of including Xhekaj could have been the opportunity to rest players like David Savard, who desperately needs a breather with another game looming. It’s akin to entering a bar brawl without your strongest fighter; it simply doesn’t make sense when others are less prepared.

Lessons Learned from a Winning Streak

While it’s understandable that the coaching staff relied on a lineup that had recently enjoyed a six-game winning streak, sometimes you need to adjust when the stakes are this high. Though this may not stand out as one of the major blunders in recent coaching history, it definitely raised eyebrows.

Looking Ahead: Another Chance Awaits

Despite last night’s disappointment, the Habs still have a shot at clinching a playoff spot with a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs tonight. However, the Ottawa match felt like a lost opportunity. While we can't say for certain that Xhekaj would have changed the game, it sure would have been exciting to see his impact.

Stay Tuned!

Don’t miss out—click play on our latest episode of Bottom Six Minutes for an in-depth analysis, available wherever you get your podcasts. We'll be back tonight to recap the final leg of this critical back-to-back series.