The roar inside the Bell Centre was seismic, the kind of collective eruption that rattles the glass and sends chills down the spine of every player on the ice. On Wednesday night, with the tension thick enough to slice through, Arber Xhekaj stood at the center of it all—six-foot-four, 240 pounds of raw determination, his eyes locked in a silent conversation with the Canadiens bench. The moment was electric: after a thunderous hit on Alexandre Carrier, Xhekaj didn’t flinch. The gloves hit the ice, Adam Lowry squared up, and in a heartbeat, Montreal’s “Sheriff” was throwing punches that echoed far beyond the boards.

What happened next was more than just a fight—it was a statement. The footage shows Xhekaj in complete control, finishing the duel with an authority that left no room for doubt. But it was the small, almost imperceptible gestures that told the real story: a quick glance toward Martin St-Louis, a subtle smirk, and a nod that seemed to say, “I hear you.” As he marched to the penalty box, Xhekaj repeated the gesture, a second knowing look that carried the weight of weeks spent under scrutiny and speculation.

For months, Martin St-Louis had been unwavering in his trust, repeating to anyone who would listen that Xhekaj was his man in high-pressure moments. But the Sheriff’s recent stretch had been anything but smooth—nights spent in the press box, a full removal from the lineup, and critics like Gilbert Delorme declaring, “It’s the end of his career in Montreal!” The pressure was mounting, the whispers growing louder. Was Xhekaj losing his edge? Had his time run out?

Wednesday night flipped the script. With five more penalty minutes added to his total, a shot on goal, and nearly fourteen minutes of ice time, Xhekaj didn’t just answer his critics—he silenced them. No points on the scoresheet, but his physical presence was undeniable, a constant force that sent a clear message to the Jets and to anyone doubting his role. The fight wasn’t just about defending a teammate; it was about reclaiming his identity, reasserting his place in the lineup, and proving that the Sheriff still rules the ice when it matters most.

The chemistry between Xhekaj and St-Louis was palpable, each gesture a signal that they were on the same wavelength despite the noise outside. At just 24 years old, Xhekaj is still forging his legacy in Montreal, his two-year contract a testament to the team’s belief in his potential. Yet, the narrative surrounding him is anything but settled. Is this the resurgence fans have been waiting for, or just a fleeting moment of defiance in a season filled with uncertainty?

As the Canadiens move forward, the spotlight will remain fixed on Xhekaj—every shift, every hit, every glance dissected for clues about what comes next. The fight with Lowry was a flashpoint, a scene that could mark the beginning of a new chapter or the last stand of a player fighting to prove he still belongs. One thing is certain: in Montreal, the Sheriff’s story is far from over, and the next twist is just waiting to unfold.

Arber Xhekaj fight with Adam Lowry

Photo credit: Screenshot

On Wednesday night, the Bell Centre erupted for Arber Xhekaj after a massive fight against Adam Lowry.

Following a hit on Alexandre Carrier, the Sheriff did not hesitate for a second. He dropped the gloves with Lowry, delivered an intense fight, and fired up the entire Canadiens bench.

In the footage, you can clearly see Xhekaj taking control and finishing the duel with authority. Right before stepping in, Xhekaj throws a quick look toward Martin St-Louis and the Canadiens’ bench.

You can view the full fight here.

A small smirk, a nod, as if to say he had understood the message. Once the fight was won, the same thing happened on his way to the penalty box, with a second knowing glance.

We know that Martin St-Louis has repeated for months that he trusts his defenseman in those moments. After a tougher stretch, with nights in the press box and even a full removal from the lineup, that wink meant a lot.

“Arber Xhekaj gave us two very good games. When he plays like that, he forces us to use him more. He gives us a lot of quality.”

– Martin St-Louis

Arber Xhekaj and Martin St-Louis on the same wavelength

Remember that Arber Xhekaj is only 24 years old and stands six feet four inches, weighing 240 pounds. His two-year contract pays him 1.3 million dollars per season until 2026. Before the game against the Jets, he had 0 goals, 1 assist, 1 point, and 42 penalty minutes in 22 games this year.

Lately, Xhekaj has been receiving heavy criticism for his lack of fights and physical impact. Just recently, Gilbert Delorme even said that his time is up in Montreal.

“The Sheriff doesn’t drop the gloves anymore!

It’s the end of his career in Montreal!”

– Gilbert Delorme

However, on Wednesday, Xhekaj added 5 penalty minutes to his total, along with a shot on goal and 13 minutes, 41 seconds of ice time. No points on the scoresheet, but constant physical presence and, above all, a clear message sent to the Jets.