When the Montreal Canadiens got off to a fast start to take first place in the Atlantic Division, the hockey world took notice that it was speed that killed their opposition. The opposition realized it’s hard to match speed, so they didn’t. They made it physical.

The smallish Canadiens are being slowed down by big bodies with angry attitudes. It’s the classic speed versus brawn battle with Montreal needing more brawn for some balance. The Canadiens sent a message that they know this by calling up Florian Xhekaj.

Montreal then lined him up with Jake Evans who did not suffer a concussion on a high-hit from Tom Wilson. After that hit, no one challenged Wilson for the elbow, and/or charging.

Arber Xhekaj and Jayden Struble didn’t have a single hit against the Washington Capitals in that

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