As the Montreal Canadiens face mounting pressure in the playoffs, the spotlight has turned sharply onto head coach Martin St-Louis and his controversial lineup decisions. With the series against the Washington Capitals intensifying, criticism from fans and analysts alike has reached a fever pitch—none more vocal than TVA Sports analyst Michel Bergeron.

Bergeron’s recent comments have reignited debate over the exclusion of Arber Xhekaj from the lineup, especially as the Canadiens struggle to match the Capitals’ physicality and intensity. The sight of Capitals forward Tom Wilson openly mocking the Canadiens has only added fuel to the fire, raising questions about the team’s grit and willingness to stand up for themselves on the ice. Tonight’s game at the Bell Centre is shaping up to be a pivotal moment, not just for the Canadiens’ playoff hopes, but for the future direction of the team under St-Louis.

With the home crowd eager for a spark and emotions running high, all eyes are on whether the Canadiens will respond with the toughness and passion their fans demand—or whether the criticism will continue to grow louder in the days to come.

Oct 21, 2023; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj (72) during warm-up before the game against the Washington Capitals at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Criticism is growing louder after some of Martin St-Louis’ decisions. One such critic is TVA Sports analyst Michel Bergeron, who had a lot to say about MSL’s choice not to play Arber Xhekaj in the playoffs.

According to Bergeron, the Capitals players are way too comfortable playing against the Canadiens and pushing them around.

“There’s a Capitals player who’s been laughing and mocking the Canadiens since the start of the series, and it’s Tom Wilson.”

A change is being called for by Michel Bergeron, involving Arber Xhekaj and Jayden Struble

According to “Bergy,” Jayden Struble should be removed from the lineup tonight in favor of the Sheriff.

“I’m looking at Struble here. Is Struble really better than Xhekaj? Does Struble do a lot of things differently?”

“Wilson, he’s laughing at the Canadiens,” added Michel Bergeron.

We highly recommend watching the full interview.

“Is Struble really better than Xhekaj?”

I fully agree with that reasoning and those questions, but I do have one small hesitation.

Would it really help Arber Xhekaj to throw him into the fire for what’s almost a do-or-die game in the middle of a playoff series against the Capitals, especially when the young man hasn’t played in nearly a month?

I’m asking the question, but I don’t have the answer.

The only thing that’s clear is that the Sheriff could absolutely spark something for his teammates, especially in front of the home crowd at the Bell Centre!

Speaking of tonight’s game, what’s your prediction for this matchup, live from the Bell Centre, between the Montreal Canadiens and the Washington Capitals?