Speaking to the media,<\/a> Martin St-Louis made sure to highlight his player\u2019s strong performance under rather difficult circumstances, and he had plenty to say.<\/p>\nHe provided a long, detailed response when questioned on the topic by reporters on site in Carolina.<\/p>\n
St-Louis pointed out that it is not easy at all to suddenly play forward against a structured team like the Hurricanes.<\/p>\n
According to him, Arber Xhekaj had several solid shifts and defended the Canadiens\u2019 zone well when needed.<\/p>\n
The head coach particularly appreciated his aggressive forecheck throughout the game (as we all did).<\/p>\n
“He did well, it\u2019s not an easy team to play against as a forward. He gave us good shifts, he had to defend in our zone, and he did that. He went on the forecheck, he delivered hits. I appreciate that he\u2019s able to do that, and I\u2019m confident he can give us good minutes if he has to play up front.”<\/p>\n
– Martin St-Louis, via TVA Sports<\/p>\n
Martin St-Louis explains why Arber Xhekaj was used at forward and what comes next<\/p>\n
St-Louis now says he has full confidence in Xhekaj\u2019s ability to provide quality minutes at forward when needed.<\/p>\n
Interestingly, Martin St-Louis admitted he made this decision for a very specific reason.<\/p>\n
He did not want to disrupt his current defensive unit, which has been playing very strong hockey lately.<\/p>\n
For Arber Xhekaj, this temporary role represents an excellent way to continue contributing regardless.<\/p>\n
It remains to be seen whether this successful experiment will encourage the organization to repeat the strategy in upcoming games\u2014or even in the playoffs.<\/p>\n
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics<\/p>\n
POLL<\/p>\n
MARS 30|1156 ANSWERS<\/p>\n
Martin St-Louis praises Arber Xhekaj after forward role experiment vs Hurricanes<\/p>\n
Should Martin St-Louis continue using Arber Xhekaj as a forward?<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
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Martin St-Louis praises Arber Xhekaj after forward role experiment vs Hurricanes
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