Florian Xhekaj’s first NHL game had the kind of collision course that can either announce a player or overwhelm him. Facing the Carolina Hurricanes in a 6-4 loss, the Montreal Canadiens rookie didn’t get the dream result, but he did give a glimpse of why the club wanted him in the lineup.
The biggest early moment came less than two minutes into the game, when Xhekaj stepped up with a punishing hit on Nicholas Ehlers. Ehlers clearly wanted no part of it, clinging to the winger’s stick for a long stretch and then arguing with the referee while play continued. Xhekaj finished with three hits, and he also made his presence felt on the forecheck, where his speed created problems for Carolina.
He was noticeable when he came flying in on opponents, forcing rushed decisions and helping trigger two turnovers. On one sequence, he pressured a defenseman behind Brandon Bussi’s net, the puck eventually worked to a Canadiens defenseman at the blue line, and Xhekaj drove to the front of the goal to screen the goalie and try for a tip. That kind of play fits the identity Martin St-Louis likes to see.
Still, the defensive side of the night was rougher. Xhekaj finished minus-three, and while he was on the ice for Carolina’s second goal, that one started with a lost faceoff by Jake Evans. Xhekaj’s assignment on the play was the defenseman without the puck, while the shot came from the far side and was deflected in front.
The fourth Carolina goal put him in a tough spot too. Noah Dobson sent him a no-look backhand pass in the defensive zone, but the puck was poked before it could get to Xhekaj and slipped to Mark Jankowski in the slot for a finish. The rookie’s man ended up scoring, but the bigger mistake belonged to the veteran defenseman who put the puck into danger instead of battling along the boards.
The fifth goal was the one where Xhekaj probably should have done more. Taylor Hall was right in front with him, both players screening Jakub Dobes, and Xhekaj lost track of the puck before Hall banged it in under his eyes.
So yes, the rookie had a difficult night in his own zone. But it came against a Carolina team that makes life miserable for everyone, and plenty of established NHL players were struggling to create space too. That kind of game doesn’t tell the whole story about whether he’s ready for the league.
The night also carried a family moment worth remembering. With both Xhekaj brothers in the lineup, Simona Xhekaj wrote: “GOOD LUCK 🤞 TO OUR BOYS ❤️ Dreams come true and one of theirs will come true tonight.
Incredible moment for XHEKAJ family. Mom’s heart is overflowing with gratitude and appreciation .
Blessed 🥲 beyond words 🙏❤️”
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