The Montreal Canadiens have introduced that defenseman Arber Xhekaj has been positioned on the injured reserve checklist resulting from an upper-body damage. This revelation comes after Xhekaj was absent from the Canadiens’ 3-2 shootout victory over the Sharks on Friday afternoon.
Arber Xhekaj sustained the damage throughout a recreation towards the Vegas Golden Knights on the Bell Heart final Thursday. Within the second interval, he took a physique examine from Ivan Barbashev, which led to him injuring his left shoulder. He was instantly taken to the locker room, and he hasn’t returned to play since then.
The departure of Arber Xhekaj is felt deeply by the staff, given his defensive skills and contributions to the Canadians’ gameplay. Nevertheless, accidents are part of sports activities, and the staff’s precedence now’s to make sure Xhekaj’s full restoration.
Within the meantime, Jordan Harris, who has additionally been out for 2 video games resulting from an upper-body damage, can be filling in for Arber Xhekaj within the lineup.
The Montreal Canadiens’ efficiency this season
The Montreal Canadiens are dealing with a difficult season thus far. They at present maintain a 9-9-2 document, inserting them in seventh place within the Atlantic Division.
The Canadiens have been scoring a mean of two.89 objectives per recreation whereas permitting 3.53 objectives per recreation, indicating the necessity for enchancment in each offense and protection. Their energy play success charge is beneath 20%, and the penalty kill charge is 72.8%.
One optimistic facet for the Canadiens is their line, led by Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield. Collectively, they’ve managed to attain a complete of 11 objectives and 21 assists, showcasing their abilities. Nevertheless, the remainder of the staff’s offense has struggled to seek out the web, which has contributed to their difficulties.
Sam Montembeault has been spectacular in his position because the staff’s goaltender. Regardless of the challenges confronted by the staff, he has managed to take care of a save share of.908 and a 2.81 goals-against common per recreation after dealing with 273 photographs.
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