Arber Xhekaj Declines Fight Invite From Leafs Enforcer Ryan Reaves
Ryan Reaves was trying to send a spark to his team after being down 3-0 but Arber Xhekaj seemingly wanted nothing to do with an incensed Leafs enforcer.
With the heated rivalry between the Maple Leafs and Canadiens off to another hot start, there were some potential fireworks that could have set of a chain reaction of explosive consequences.
Montreal jumped out to a 3-0 lead quickly, including scoring two goals in nine seconds and made the Maple Leafs look like they were in for a tough night. Ryan Reaves wasn't feeling so good about the quick disadvantage and decided to try and get the team going.
While he hasn't fought yet this season, he's definitely tried but it's due to actions like that of Arber Xhekaj that may be the reason as to why he hasn't dropped the mitts.
Arber Xhekaj Chooses To Taunt Instead Of Fight; Backfires Spectacularly
As the video shows, Reaves was trying to pick his first fracas of the season with the beefy Hamilton-born Xhekaj, however the Canadiens defenseman decided to pull out the classic "scoreboard" taunt as Montreal safely controlled the game.
Perhaps it was a bit of cockiness, or perhaps it was a bit of cowardice. Xhekaj is one who won't back down from a fight, and his insistence on eschewing a fight with Reaves really makes no sense.
Xhekaj has fought this year, Reaves has not. Reaves does not offer enough of a difference to keep him off the ice, so what's the harm of throwing down? Xhekaj has the height and weight advantage, and if he beat Reaves; the momentum would have been firmly in the Habs' hands.
Xhekaj also tried to make Reaves' night a bit more difficult as he absolutely leveled the Maple Leafs' enforcer with a bone-crushing hit.
But he didn't make enough of an impact and it may have cost him. Toronto decided to explode for six unanswered goals as they currently lead the Canadiens 6-3 over halfway through the third period.
It definitely irked Montreal fans that they coughed up such a big advantage, with some even calling out Xhekaj for potentially jinxing his team with his brash gesture.
For the Canadiens this season, Xhekaj has one goal and four assists to go along with 100 hits and 67 PIM.
For the Maple Leafs this season, Reaves has zero goals and two assists to go along with 89 hits and 23 PIM.
