A Night of Unspoken Power: Arber Xhekaj’s Silent Statement Amid Ottawa’s Fury

Some nights at the Bell Centre are unforgettable—not because of the goals scored or the penalties taken, but because of the moments that reveal the true spirit of a team. Last night, as the Montreal Canadiens faced off against the Ottawa Senators, the arena buzzed with an energy that was impossible to ignore. Rivalry games always promise drama, but this matchup delivered something far more intriguing—a silent battle for respect and dominance, played out not just with fists, but with pure composure.

From the opening faceoff, it was clear the Senators had come to Montreal with a plan: provoke, disrupt, and unsettle the home team. The tension was palpable, the crowd on edge, and every shift seemed charged with anticipation. Yet, as the night unfolded, it was one Canadiens player who quietly took control of the narrative, proving that leadership isn’t always about loud gestures or physical confrontations.

Arber Xhekaj, known for his fierce play and willingness to stand up for his teammates, found himself at the center of the storm. But what happened next wasn’t what anyone expected. Instead of a classic showdown or a dramatic fight, Xhekaj delivered a masterclass in restraint and psychological warfare—leaving fans and opponents alike stunned by his response to Ottawa’s most notorious enforcer.

The turning point came after a seemingly routine hit, one that escalated quickly when Ottawa’s Kurtis MacDermid lost his cool and charged toward the Canadiens bench. In that instant, the atmosphere shifted from tense to explosive. The Senators, desperate to ignite a spark, seemed to have found their moment. But before chaos could erupt, something remarkable happened—something that would define the rest of the game and leave everyone talking.

Behind the scenes, assistant coach Stéphane Robidas played an unexpected role, physically holding Xhekaj back as emotions threatened to boil over. It was a rare glimpse into the intensity of the rivalry, and a reminder of how close these games can come to spilling out of control. Yet, instead of answering MacDermid’s aggression with violence, Xhekaj chose a different path—a gesture so simple, yet so powerful, that it instantly shifted the balance of power on the ice.

As the game progressed, the tension only grew. MacDermid continued to seek confrontation, but Xhekaj’s response was nothing short of brilliant—a moment that captured the essence of sportsmanship, confidence, and quiet dominance. Fans in the stands and viewers at home watched in awe, realizing that sometimes the strongest statement is made without a single punch thrown.

What happened between Arber Xhekaj and Kurtis MacDermid last night will be discussed for weeks to come. It was a moment that transcended the scoreboard and statistics, revealing the heart of a player who has become much more than just a fighter. If you think you know how this rivalry plays out, think again—because last night, Montreal witnessed something truly special.

Curious to know the full story? Keep reading, because this is one night at the Bell Centre you won’t want to forget.

Photo of Arber Xhekaj and Senators' Kurtis MacDermid

Photo credit: All Habs / NHL

The atmosphere was absolutely electric last night at the Bell Centre, as the Ottawa Senators once again tried to provoke the Montreal Canadiens.

But this time, I think it was Arber Xhekaj who stole the show without even dropping the gloves.

It all started after a perfectly legal hit by Zachary Bolduc on Jake Sanderson. A relatively ordinary sequence until Kurtis MacDermid decided to lose his cool.

Arber Xhekaj shows Ottawa who’s in charge in Montreal

The Senators’ tough guy charged toward the Habs bench, furious, shouting his frustration at Bolduc.

But before things could get out of hand, assistant coach Stéphane Robidas had to physically hold back Arber Xhekaj to stop him from jumping onto the ice.

In the footage captured by Priyanta Emrith, you can clearly see Robidas grabbing Xhekaj by the jersey while the Canadiens defenseman tries to pull free, ready to jump on the ice.

“LOL at Habs assistant coach Stéphane Robidas physically needing to hold Arber Xhekaj back on the bench when Sens MacDermid got a little too close.”

– Priyanta Emrith

Later in the game, MacDermid approached Xhekaj again on the ice… and number 72’s response was perfect: he simply pointed to the scoreboard, reminding everyone that it was the Canadiens who were leading.

“Kurtis MacDermid wanted a piece of Arber Xhekaj but Xhekaj just points at the scoreboard”

– Spittin Chiclets

Wow! How can you not love this Arber?

I really liked his composure!

In my opinion, this is the kind of moment that proves Arber Xhekaj has become much more than just a fighter.

One thing’s for sure: Xhekaj just gained even more fans in Montreal. I really liked his game last night.