There are nights in hockey when the action on the ice is only half the story. When the real drama unfolds not just in the goals, the hits, or the fights, but in the moments that happen between whistles—moments that ignite a firestorm among fans and leave everyone searching for answers. Last night’s Canadiens-Leafs showdown was one of those rare occasions, a game that will be remembered not just for its intensity, but for the controversy that erupted and the unforgettable reactions it provoked.

It began as a fiercely contested battle, with both teams trading blows and refusing to back down. The crowd at the arena felt the tension building with every shift, every penalty, every questionable call. But as the game wore on, a single incident would push emotions to the breaking point, sending shockwaves through the bench, the fanbase, and social media alike. And at the center of it all stood two figures: Florian Xhekaj, the young Canadiens player whose night took an unexpected turn, and Martin St-Louis, the fiery head coach whose response would soon become the talk of the hockey world.

What happened in those few seconds after a seemingly balanced fight between Xhekaj and a Toronto rival has become the subject of heated debate. Fans, analysts, and even former players have weighed in, but the truth remains shrouded in mystery. The extra penalty handed to Xhekaj stunned everyone—not just because of the call itself, but because of the official who made it. The presence of a controversial referee added another layer of intrigue, fueling speculation and frustration from the stands to the internet.

As the Canadiens bench tried to process what had just occurred, television cameras caught a moment that would quickly go viral. Martin St-Louis, usually composed and focused, could no longer contain his outrage. His reaction—raw, unscripted, and impossible to misinterpret—spoke volumes about the atmosphere surrounding the team and the growing sense of injustice. For many fans, it was a cathartic release, a public declaration of what they had been feeling all along.

But the story doesn’t end there. The fallout from that penalty and St-Louis’s outburst rippled through the fan community, sparking debates about fairness, respect, and the role of referees in shaping the outcome of games. Comments online ranged from disbelief to anger, with some pointing to past incidents and others questioning whether certain players are being singled out. The name of the referee, infamous among Canadiens supporters, became a lightning rod for criticism, while the Xhekaj family’s reaction added a personal touch that resonated with viewers everywhere.

As the dust settles, one thing remains clear: this was more than just a hockey game. It was a moment that revealed the passion, the loyalty, and the sense of injustice that binds a team and its fans together. And as the Canadiens look ahead, the memory of what happened—and what was said—will linger long after the final whistle. What did Martin St-Louis really shout? Why did the penalty happen? And how will this night shape the team moving forward? The answers are out there, waiting to be discovered.

Photo of Martin St-Louis and Florian Xhekaj

Photo credit: All Habs / NHL

Canadiens fans couldn’t believe seeing Florian Xhekaj receive an extra penalty after an otherwise well-balanced fight against Toronto.

And honestly, the shock wasn’t just about the call – it was about the fact that controversial referee Chris Lee was assigned to a Canadiens-Leafs game in the first place.

No one understood the officials’ logic at times last night. Florian’s penalty is the perfect example.

After that, on the Canadiens’ bench, Martin St-Louis exploded. And thanks to the shared video, we now know exactly what he yelled.

Martin St-Louis loses patience with the referees after the call on Florian

The scene was captured on television, and you can clearly see the coach stepping toward the referees, visibly furious…and with good reason.

He yells a message that needs no interpretation:

“F**k off”

For many fans, everything was obvious. According to them, the extra penalty was nothing but an attempt to balance the scoresheet because Montreal was leading by a lot.

On X, the comments caught fire.

People were posting:

“How does Florian get an extra penalty?”

Or even:

“Get used to it, just because of his name, just like his brother. Refs are watching them alllllll the time.”

Some also pointed to a name Canadiens fans know all too well.

“Because Chris Lee is refereeing.”

The frustration was everywhere, and I think Martin St-Louis said out loud what everyone else was thinking.

The guys work hard and deserve respect. And seeing a coach protect his player brings the team closer.

Let’s not forget Florian’s mom’s priceless reaction!

In my opinion, one thing is certain.

The Xhekajs will never let anyone push them around.