The Montreal Canadiens find themselves at a critical crossroads as tensions continue to mount both on and off the ice. The spotlight is burning brighter than ever on head coach Martin St-Louis, whose recent decisions regarding Arber Xhekaj have left fans and analysts alike buzzing with speculation and concern. The absence of the formidable defenseman from the lineup has become a hot topic, especially as the Canadiens’ star players endure relentless physical pressure from the Washington Capitals in this high-stakes playoff series.

Meanwhile, the debate over player protection and team toughness has reached a fever pitch. As gritty battles unfold with every shift, the need for a physical presence like Xhekaj’s grows more apparent—especially when high-profile forwards such as Cole Caufield are targeted by the opposition. Journalists, former coaches, and passionate supporters are all weighing in, questioning whether St-Louis’s strategy is putting his skilled players at unnecessary risk.

With the series intensifying and the stakes climbing higher, all eyes are on the Canadiens’ bench to see if a crucial change will be made. The next move could not only impact the outcome of the series, but also define the team’s identity moving forward.

As you know, the situation involving Arber Xhekaj is generating a lot of buzz. On one side, there’s Martin St-Louis, who refuses to put him in the lineup, and on the other, there are many fans and experts who want to see the Sheriff back in uniform.

The fact is, the Canadiens’ top players have been getting pushed around quite a bit since the start of this first-round series against the Washington Capitals.

It’s similar to the message sent by Michel Bergeron.

But anyway, Stu Cowan reported something similar, specifically about forward Cole Caufield.

Cole Caufield wouldn’t say no to some extra protection from Arber Xhekaj

That’s what the Montreal Gazette journalist wrote, and it’s absolutely true.

“My column on Habs Cole Caufield willing to pay the price to try and score goals in playoffs.

He could use some added protection from Arber Xhekaj, along with much more effort from Patrik Laine, in Game 3 vs. Capitals tonight at Bell Centre”

– Stu Cowan

It’s clear that could help Caufield, who has taken his fair share of questionable and hard hits since the start of the series against the Capitals.

The journalist is sending a message that could indeed help Caufield stand out more in this first-round series.

We even saw it in Game 1, when Ovechkin delivered a massive hit on Cole and no one came to his defense.

And what do you think, should Martin St-Louis finally throw Arber Xhekaj into the mix against the Washington Capitals?

For now, here’s what we know.

Stay tuned!