Why Georges Laraque urges caution after evaluating Florian Xhekaj’s debut fight
Photo credit: All Habs / NHL
The first game of Florian Xhekaj with the Montreal Canadiens brought a lot of emotion and even several important questions for what comes next.
Every shift seemed to give the game a small jolt. Yes, of course the Montreal Canadiens were already dominating the Toronto Maple Leafs, but I really think the intensity of young Xhekaj added something special.
He didn’t wait long before getting noticed. He earned his first NHL point on Josh Anderson‘s goal.
And even if he won the fight in a violent manner, Georges Laraque’s comments brought another perspective to that moment.
Georges Laraque Analyzes Florian Xhekaj’s Fight
On BPM Sports, Laraque did not mince his words.
“Yes, he got the upper hand in that fight. We saw the blood on his helmet, you can see clearly, he clipped him. The problem with this is that when you fight, you have to protect yourself better, the grip isn’t good, and his face is wide open, it’s a buffet and he took too many punches.”
– Georges Laraque
“Sometimes, Gonzo, when you’re taking punches like that, it only takes one and you’re knocked out. If he wants a long career and if he wants to take on guys bigger than that, you can’t fight like that.”
– Laraque
According to Laraque, the intensity and courage are there, but the technique still needs to follow if he wants to last in that kind of role. I think he’s right. And to be honest, there are not many people better positioned than him to talk about this subject.
And I truly believe that Florian Xhekaj will learn quickly. For his family, this evening will remain huge. And for him, it may look like the real beginning of a special story.
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Why Georges Laraque urges caution after evaluating Florian Xhekaj’s debut fight
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