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Canadiens’ Arber Xhekaj under fire after ‘heavy’ hit on Sabres’ Sam Carrick
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- Canadiens’ Arber Xhekaj under fire after ‘heavy’ hit on Sabres’ Sam Carrick
NHL forward Arber Xhekaj is facing criticism after a controversial punch dropped Sam Carrick at the end of Game 3 between the Montreal Canadiens and Buffalo Sabres on Sunday night.
Montreal secured a dominant 6-2 victory to grab a 2-1 series lead in the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals, but the postgame discussion shifted toward the chaotic scene at the final buzzer.
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As tensions boiled over late in the game, players from both teams gathered in a large scrum after time expired. During the altercation, Xhekaj appeared to throw a quick combination at Carrick. Replays showed the Canadiens defenseman pushing his left hand into Carrick's face before landing a heavy right hand to the jaw.
MORE: Canadiens goalie Jakub Dobes gets honest after big Game 3 win
Carrick immediately dropped to the ice, with the clip spreading rapidly across social media. Hockey podcast Spittin Chiclets shared the moment online, writing, "Wifi threw a heavy right on Carrick at the buzzer."
Soon, fans reacted to the hit. Some defended Xhekaj's physical style, while others criticized the timing and nature of the punch.
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One fan posted , "Dirty play. Wouldn't be surprised if he's suspended."
Another fan wrote , "Cheap shot. And no call, typical. Refs were garbage tonight."
"Sucker punch specialist. Perros will do nothing," A fan wrote , pointing to the head of the NHL's Player Safety.
However, some tried to defend Xhekaj.
A fan wrote , "Watch the whole sequence, Carrick was tossing punches too, he just got caught with one."
"Carrick still trying remember the wifi password," another wrote .
One fan mentioned , saying, "Very deserved and there should no fines or suspension, and if there is NHL better do both teams. They hit Montreal's goalie so hard his back hit the top of the goalie post bent backwards. prior games to Hutson just to get him off the ice, Sabres try to injure better skilled players."
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Canadiens' Arber Xhekaj might face just a fine, not a suspension
Canadiens’ Arber Xhekaj under fire after ‘heavy’ hit on Sabres’ Sam Carrick
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Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj (72) plays the puck at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
The biggest concern surrounding the altercation involves whether Carrick had a fair chance to defend himself. Carrick's hands appeared tied up during the scrum while Xhekaj still had both arms free.
That detail can catch the attention of the NHL Department of Player Safety, which could review the incident. As of Monday morning, no official punishment has been announced, though many around the league expect a fine or possible suspension.
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ESPN's Greg Wyshynski wrote on X, "Would be surprised with anything more than fines for @CanadiensMTL Arber Xhekaj and @BuffaloSabres Josh Norris for Game 3 actions. NHL rarely suspends for sucker punches. Norris had echos of Ridly Greig ban, but it was more an active scrum vs. Greig going after defenseless foe."
The heated ending matched the overall tone of Game 3. Multiple scrums broke out during the third period after emotions rose throughout the night.
Earlier this season, Xhekaj and Carrick already shared bad blood following a formal fight after a heavy hit on Lane Hutson.
Game 4 is scheduled for Tuesday night in Montreal, where tensions between both teams are expected to remain high.
