GoonBlog.com

Hockey fight blog with humorous, blow-by-blow commentary on goons, enforcers and donnybrooks

Hockey fight blog with humorous, blow-by-blow commentary on goons, enforcers and donnybrooks.

Hockey Fights: The New Model


in Milan Lucic

The Rangers and Flames had a bit of a contentious affair last evening in New York. The game featured 3 fights, which we don’t ever do not, never not love… ever. You could say, that the way in which said disagreements initiated, is a microcosm of the current era in hockey fighting.

New Hotness
All three scraps happened after one player leveled another, and then their teammate took on the guy that did the leveling. Got that? Before I get accused of being an old man yelling at a cloud, I will explain.

Back in the Day Donnybrooks
In the days of yesteryear, bodychecking was done as predatorily as it is now. The equipment was archaic and not very protective. If a guy ran another guy hard it would hurt them as much as the guy doing the running. And these guys didn’t even wear helmets for Christ’s sake. No need to open-ice-destroy a man when there’s a risk he could smash his friggin’ head on the ice and bleed all over the place. And yet…

There was a respect factor that existed back then. The NHL was a winter job for a lot of these guys and there was a level of community which isn’t there anymore. If I know a guy just came off injury, or maybe it’s night 2 of a back-to-back. I have the choice to run him or separate him from the puck gently – but firmly enough to accomplish the mission of reestablishing possession. I’m taking the firm but gentle option every time.

When and Why?
I can’t say when the new way of fighting started, or why. The “staged” fights are largely gone form the NHL. Also gone are the days when the 4th-liners would come out and the crowd would start buzzing because they knew what was coming. Occasionally you see fights like last week where Wayne Simmonds took it upon himself to try and turn the tide of a game. It worked, BTW. For a little while anyway. Now it seems if you want to start a fight, just lay a heavy check on anyone and you’ll get a taker.

What I find very interesting about last night’s three fights, is the second one in particular. It all started when Sammy Blais derailed a chugging Milan Lucic at center ice.

Looooooch!
Now, Lucic is a very big boy and can take care of himself. He’s been having a bit of a renaissance this year fight-wise and is still not someone to trifle with. After Blais hit him, he was really mad, and wearing the classic LUCIC SMASH face he puts on when he’s… really mad. Ultimately, Lucic couldn’t get to him, but he certainly threw a few in at the bottom of the pile under which Blais found himself when the Flames converged. Instead, we were treated to Calgary’s MacKenzie Weegar whaling the shit out of Will Cuylle of the Rangers.

This bout isn’t close, and I feel bad for Cuylle’s… face.

I’m not complaining. I like hockey fights, however they come. I just don’t get the logic. The NHL says “no”, we can’t have two big guys – that know how to fight going out to fight for the sake of fighting – but “yes”, it’s OK to have a near fucking line brawl every time someone lays the body to someone else in the course of gameplay. It’s quite typical of the NHL and in a lot of ways, it’s not their fault.

I get they can’t openly endorse fighting, but fighting in hockey is one of the many things that makes the game unique. It’s one of the reasons people still watch to this day. The hope of a fight gets them to tuning in.

I’m interested to hear other thoughts on this. If I were smart enough, I would put a poll in this post, but alas I don’t have the technical perspicacity. Here’s the question. Do you mind the current hit, and “you have to fight model”, or would you prefer the old staged fights approach?

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Gary Bettman’s Arizona Nudes


in AJ Greer, Phoenix Coyotes, Wayne Simmonds

For those of you that may be contributing to the recent report showing NHL viewership is down 22% this season, the Boston Bruins are having a heck of a good year. They cruise into the All-Star break sitting atop the NHL with a record of 39-7-5 for a total of 83 points. That’s a 7-point advantage on the closest team overall, and they’re 13 points up on the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Leafs are the closest team in their division, and the Bruins had their way with them last night winning 5-2 in Toronto to get the break started in style. I have four thoughts on Boston after last night’s tilt.

  1. They have a lot of character guys. Case in point. AJ Greer. He scores the eventual game winner last night and on the ensuing faceoff he gets challenged by Toronto’s Wayne Simmonds. Listen, I’m a fan of guys that do what Simmonds does today, and what he’s been doing over his career. At this point, Simmonds is in Toronto to do basically one thing, and that is drop the gloves.

    As Mike Rupp once yelled at Jody Shelley, “You’re irrelevant out here!” which by the way is the meanest thing I have ever heard someone yell on the ice, that is how Wayne Simmonds is perceived. He’s been waived at least twice this season and has managed 1 assist and 34 PIM in 13 games this year. All this to say, his job is to go out and ask someone to fight when his team just went down 2 goals.
  2. The guy that scored the goal is the one that gets challenged? Honestly? Is it me? Anyway, Greer being a character guy and wanting to oblige the willing Simmonds, he says “yes”. Really bad idea. Simmonds gave him a hard right that buckled Greer and eventually got the concussion spotters involved. Simmonds did his job, and it worked. The ice definitely tilted in Toronto’s favor after the decided victory. And that’s why we have the fights.
  3. AJ Greer didn’t have to fight Wayne Simmonds. He just scored, and they were rolling. When a guy with the kind of grit and determination Greer has just to in the Show get challenged, they answer the bell. This Bruins team is littered with guys that would have done the same thing.
  4. Linus Ullmark is really good. Remember last season when it appeared that Jeremy Swayman was going to be the goalie of the future and they wasted 5 million on Ullmark? I mean, right up until the whole Tuukka fiasco? I’m not saying Swayman isn’t the future, but I am saying Linus Ullmark looks worth every friggin’ penny in his bank account right now.

    After the fight the Leafs regained some momentum. They were peppering Ullmark, and he had an answer for everything. What I like about his game is he’s compact. He’s looks like Pete Peeters to me. Really big, and square to the shooter. He doesn’t waste movement or slide around like an asshole like Rask loved to do. I hope they keep Goalie Bob away from Ullmark, because he’ll kill his game.

It would have been nice to go into the all-star break with 40 wins. I know I’m being picky, but, I would have loved to see that nice even number. I think back on the first half, and really the only game that bothers me is the regulation loss in Arizona. How the NHL is allowing teams to play in that barn is laughable.

Dirty Gary
Gary Bettman has nudes of someone in legislation in Arizona. He must. The Coyotes are playing in a top-notch division 1 hockey facility. I mean, it’s practically a pro set up….on the home side. The visitors are dressing in what appears to be Concord Youth Ice Association’s home dressing room. Guys, you remember. The “big” dressing room under the stairs in Rink 2? It’s embarrassing.

“Whaddaya think, about this long?”

The dressing rooms in Arizona aside, the Bruins left one in the desert. They let a really crappy team hang around, and Jeremy Swayman wasn’t very good. They embarrassed themselves and it was close enough to the beginning of the season when all the nit wits (myself included) came out of the woodwork with the old, oh yeah, this is who them are.

I knew this start wasn’t sustainable. I speak for everyone when I apologize. The Bruins are historically good with a ton of heart. Plenty of room on the bandwagon!

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What’s the Deal with the IIHF Medal Round?


in World Juniors

How’s it goin’ Eh? Hope everyone had a fantastic Holiday Season, enjoyed family time, relaxed and had a drink or 20. I know the Killer clan had a doozy, so let’s start the new year off right.

The World Juniors is one of my favorite hockey tournaments to watch. While away in the “can” these past few years, that provided some challenges to watch live as most cons aren’t into pucks. Fortunately, I was able to build out an infrastructure to watch most games live or on demand. Must be my entrepreneurial spirit that drove me, but I hope you can appreciate the depths I went to for my hockey “fix” while inside.

Let’s Talk About Bedard
Connor Bedard is all that and a bag of chips. What he did this year over the 10 days was simply magical -scoring 23 points and leading Canada to back-to-back Gold Medals. Every time he touched the puck you could tell something special was about to happen. Can’t wait to see where he ends up next year in the NHL. He is a generational talent, so sit back and enjoy watching him play whenever you can.

Team USA was able to earn the Bronze medal with a wild OT winner against Sweden 8-7. USA was led by Head Coach Rand Pecknold who has been the HC at Quinnipiac since 1994. One of my best buddies growing up was the keeper for them the first year they went D1. That kid saw more rubber than the inside of Jenna Jameson’s orifices. Congrats to Rand and the players!

Anyone catch the World Cup of Soccer last month? Snooze, I know, but stay with me as this will all tie together shortly. I can’t stand soccer / football or whatever you want to call it. Mostly because there is no hitting and when there is accidental contact, the players flop around like Mike Ribiero. Congrats to Argentina and Messi, who is pretty skilled with his feet, on winning the Cup. How in the world can that championship be decided on via penalty kicks alone? And herein lies another problem with “The Beautiful Game”.

That’s Not How You Do Overtime
Now, back to the World Juniors: how in the world can the IIHF have OT medal round games decided with 3×3? Come on! This is for a Gold, Silver or Bronze medal and you are deciding the winner like that? Makes absolutely zero sense. 5×5 for 20 minutes, then lather rinse repeat until a goal is scored. Am I talking to myself?

My beef with this stupid rule isn’t because Canada won the Gold… cause hell, USA won Bronze and I think it’s still dumb. I can only gather that the buffoons running the IIHF are exhausted by the Medal round after being in a foreign Country during the Holidays and just want to get the hell home.

One of my roommates in college was from a small town outside Toronto and he still calls that home today. Last time I saw him in person was October of 2002 when he made the trip down from the North to the States with his bride to attend my wedding. Thanks to technology, we keep in touch frequently during the hockey season, but I can’t wait to see him again in person one of these days. I haven’t checked with my probation officer lately regarding International travel… so that could impact my ability to go North of the border.

He loves hockey and can talk about it 24×7. His balls must still be cold as he loves hanging them when Canada wins any hockey related tournament. The second Dylan Guenther scored, my phone was blowing up with Canada flag emoji’s. I didn’t even bother getting into a back-and-forth that night as it wasn’t worth it. I congratulated him on the victory and went to bed. Let’s hope next year and going forward that the IIHF changes the medal round OT format.

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The Nightmare on Causeway Street


in Kevin Bahl, Trent Frederic

Hallelujah – I’m writing something that’s NOT about Arber Xhekaj! Because, and I’ll stress this again, we ARE NOT a Habs Blog! I feel better. Ref? Killer? Do you guys feel better? I feel better. And on we go…

My current favorite Boston Bruins player is none other than Trent Frederic, and he had a heck of a game last night in New Jersey. After a scoreless first period, Trent got the Bruins on the board around the halfway point of the second period. Hampus Lindholm makes a heck of a nice drop pass here, and Freddy absolutely labels one top drawer.

Off topic, but it doesn’t get better than Kenny Albert, with Edzo and Jonesy at ice level, from an announce team perspective. All three get the game, and as we’ll talk about in a second, seem to really enjoy fighting.

Anyhow, Frederic has a really good shot, and he cashes in on plays like this a lot. What makes him such a valuable asset, is he can also drive the net and create some havoc in the paint for opposing goaltenders. While he does that, he’s usually bound to be chirping someone.


Before the second period goal, Freddy tried to jumpstart the team with a scrap in the first, but not a major dustup. It just seemed like a good time for a fight, and he found a willing participant in New Jersey’s Kevin Bahl. Frederic’s style is to lull his opponents to sleep, then drop the hammer on them. He throws a lot of good straight rights, and mixes in his uppercut well.

It’s not quite Lyndon Byers-level uppercut, but he really likes to use it, and it is effective. In this scrap he also throws a couple that don’t land. I like Bahl’s strategy here as well. He lands some nice rights of his own, and they tire each other out. If I’m being honest, I’ll call it a draw, but if I’m a homer, I give the nod to the Nightmare. By the way, I saw someone else call Trent Frederic the Nightmare on Causeway St., and I’m fully stealing it.

Trent Frederic vs. Kevin Bahl

So, why are we just getting around to the Trent Frederic experience now? Well, former Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy had Freddy firmly in the doghouse. I’m not sure why Butch didn’t like him and refused to play him. Yeah, he can take some stupid penalties, but I think that was a byproduct of him getting limited ice under the Cassidy regime. When he did get a shift, he would try to do too much and often took a dumb penalty trying to make a difference. Now that Cassidy has taken his stupid face and Supercuts hairdo to Vegas, new Bruins coach Jim Montgomery has allowed Freddy to be Freddy, and it’s paying off in a big way.

In 60 games last year, he had 8G, 10A, for 18pints, and 57 PIM. Thus far in this campaign, he has 7 goals to go with another 7 Assists for 14 points and 27 PIM. Barring a catastrophic injury, he will shatter those numbers this season. The guy has a great motor, chirps everyone, can chip in on the offense, and drops the gloves with anyone willing to fight.

I’m very interested to see if Tom Wilson of the Capitals will give Freddy a shot in February when they come to Boston. Last year, Freddy was goading Wilson all game, and in typical fake tough guy Tom Wilson fashion he only obliged him at the end of Frederic’s shift. I’m pretty sure Wilson is coming back soon, but knowing him, he will have some excuse why he won’t fight The Nightmare. Either way, keep up the good work, Freddy. The Goonblog boys are pulling for you!

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Not a Montreal Canadiens Blog – We Swear


in Patrick Maroon, Arber "Wifi" Xhekaj, Brendan Walsh, Trevor Gillies

Hey, guess what? Arber “WiFi” Xhekaj had another scrap over the weekend! Shocking, right?

In all honesty people made a big deal out of the fight. I think it’s mainly because he fought the “Big Rig” Patrick Maroon. It’s not much of a scrap in the grand scheme of things. Lots of punches to the license plate from WiFi. Users on Hockey Fights are scoring it a lopsided win for Xhekaj, and I agree. I was reluctant to even mention it – as this is fast becoming a Montreal Canadiens blog (sort of). With the amount of “coverage” (see what I did there?) we’re giving the WiFi it feels like this is turning into a fan page for the bleu, blanc, et rouge. Why bring it up now, almost a week later? Glad you asked.

Yet another “Arber Day”.

I’m sure everyone is aware of a hockey conglomerate known as Spittin’ Chiclets. We can’t even call them a podcast these days, as they have become so much more. Paul “Biz Nasty” Bissonnette is a face seen on National broadcasts of the NHL seated right next to Wayne Gretzky on some nights. They’ve launched beer and vodka brands, and have even been taking their act on the road. I mean, they’re huge.

And they interview a lot of huge names. My favorite podcasts they’ve done were Trevor Gillies, and Brendan Walsh. Walshie slayed per usual, and Trevor was great. Now that I’m done pumping their tires I will mention the point. They were having a discussion the other day, and it turned to Arber Xhekaj. They were saying how he has become a top 5 enforcer in the league, and we don’t disagree.

Walshie in his prime.

This kind of media coverage is a gift you can’t pay for. Not only for WiFi, but I think it also brings attention to scrappers who often go overlooked. Listen, you’re not going to have NHL highlight packages of guys like Ryan Reaves, and Patrick Maroon every night. Today the game is deliberately marketed as fast, high scoring, and action packed. Think Sidney Crosby, or Alex Ovechkin chasing down The Great One’s goal record. The irony is that going into 2023 – the guys that tend to drop the mitts are often the team’s most popular players.

For me, I love the Bruins. My favorite Bruin right now is Trent Frederic. Over the last 10 years, my other favorite was Adam McQuaid. Why? Because they are willing to fight if they have to. Don’t get me started on McQuaid. I must write something in the future on him. The fear in other players eyes when they realized they tangled with the wrong guy is legendary.

Major Dutch Schaefer to all hockey enforcers: “Stick around”.

Spittin’ Chiclets calling out hard-scrabble players, that are willing to do what WiFi now does on the regular, is the type of media coverage those guys need. We’ve been lamenting the death rattle of the enforcer for a while now, and again, maybe it’s premature. If we keep talking about them and having some fun while doing it, they might just stick around.

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The Art of the Short Term Deal


in Colorado Avalanche, Chicago Blackhawks

Not going to bore you with another long soliloquy about where the hell we’ve all been (you’re welcome). Also – How’s it goin’, eh? Very good to be back.

Especially since Dumb and Dumber have already covered our absence at a simply staggering level of detail. Instead, let’s just say the government is still not in favor of my entrepreneurial import/export business, and I had to go underground for a couple beats.

The Return of Killer
During my time in the literary can, I broke a finger, had elbow surgery, and got a hip-replacement like your grandmother has only read about. Sounds like a standard off-season for anyone in the actual “show”. For a civilian on the sidelines, however, it’s been a singular sweet decade of hell. But – Looking back at civilization, through a sturdy set of bars, tends to give you a whole new perspective.

My (much) better half did an amazing job tending to life without me around, and has raised the Million Dollar Babies into fine young men. The oldest is about to embark on his final high school hockey season. I’ll share more with you as the season goes on – but this is my last ride, as the youngest doesn’t play, so I am sure as hell gonna enjoy every bit of it.

Back to Drop the Biscuit
Today, I’m back on the outside, breathing that fresh air again, and thusly have a new appreciation for life. As well as how much enjoyment I get out of the game of Hockey. Drop the puck.

Now that I have a forum again, I can’t resist sharing just how very much I hate Lebron James. Off-topic, maybe, and I don’t like to use the “H ” word. That’s for stupid, lazy people. And my Mom once assured me I’m neither.

That said, I’d still be tempted were we talking about Ulf Samuelsson or Matt Cooke. Because those two are completely hate-able. You’re allowed to disagree, and I’ll be waiting in the parking lot.

3 Points? What am I, Fucking Nuts?

Morrie from Goodfellas

Say what you want about Lebron, but he has, for the most part, bet on himself. At least 3 points above the vig. The longest contract he signed was for 6 years – when he first left the Cavs to go to the Heat. Since then, it’s all been 4 or 2 year deals.

I bring this up due to the recent announcement re: Roope Hintz signing an 8-year deal worth $67.6 million with the Dallas Stars. My point, and do I have one, and where the frig is the “hockey” in all of this?


Betting On Yourself
Hintz is a phenomenal player with absolute world class speed. His ceiling is unlimited at the spry age of 26, but not when he’s roped in for 8 years. Benn’s contract is up in 2 years. Seguin has 4 more years left on his 8-year deal. Point being, with the NHL Salary Cap going up every year (minus the last two seasons due to Covid), why not bet on yourself by sticking to shorter contracts? The cap is estimated to increase by almost $10 million dollars come the 2025-2026 season.

Sure, if you are a bottom 6 forward, or bottom pair on defense, it makes all the sense in the world to sign for as long a term as you’re offered. I am talking about the Superstars of the league. Not just top 6 forwards or top 4 Ds. I am referring to the undebatable top dog per team.

People are gonna say “Killer – what if they get injured and their career is suddenly over?” Legit question, but can you name any recent superstar examples in the NHL- let alone any professional sport? Go ahead, I will be waiting.

Look at the shit show Kane and Toews are dealing with now in Chicago. How about McDavid and Draisaitl in Edmonton? How about poor G, stuck in Philly all those years? It was so bad in Philly that G was ok with signing in Ottawa whose franchise is currently up for sale. You think Johnny Gaudreau is having any second thoughts about signing a seven-year deal in the hell hole known as Columbus? I could go on and on but you guys are wicked smart and get the point I am trying to make.

If I am Pastrnak, I hang up the phone every time my agent calls. All that cat is looking to do is line his own pockets off 88’s skill and hard work. Put yourself in 88’s shoes, would you trust Don Sweeney with your future? The answer is a resounding “FUCK NO”. By taking a shorter-term deal, it doesn’t mean you are gonna jump around from team-to-team like Mike Sillinger did playing for 12 different Orgs. It means you are committing to them for X number of years and evaluating the team, its future potential success and how you fit in as your term comes to a close. And forget about this bullshit of a no-movement clause.

I mean, it’s not like Chicago would ever trade Kaner to friggin’ Vancouver.

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So Much for the Enforcer Sunset, Eh?


in Nicolas Deslauriers, Alexander Romanov, Matt Martin, New York Islanders, Oliver Wahlstrom, Philadelphia Flyers, Tony DeAngelo, Zack MacEwen

Remember a couple of weeks ago when Tampa and Washington had a bit of a “contentious” game, and I broke several laws in three New England states to make it back in time for the rematch – only to be wildly disappointed?

Well, the New York Islanders and Philadelphia Flyers found themselves in a very similar situation last night – producing wildly varying results. I believe this was, as the kids would say, a “hold my beer” moment. As well as being an encouraging sign that the hockey enforcer still has a begrudging place heading into 2023.

Flyers vs. Islanders vs. New NHL

Nicholas Deslauriers

To recap, things got nasty last Saturday night at the 16:44 mark of the third when current NHL fight leader, Nichols Deslauriers of the Flyers, jumped Islanders defenseman Alexander Romanov after what Deslauriers deemed was a dirty hit on Flyers forward Kevin Hayes. Then, as Deslauriers was roughing up Romanov, all the guys on the ice came together to exchange pleasantries as Tony DeAngelo and Oliver Wahlstrom took it upon themselves to get into a spirited bout.


Tony DeAngelo, aside from not being on Brad Marchand’s Christmas card list, is scrappy for his size – and I am of the opinion was the victor in this fight. He threw, and landed, more punches than Wahlstrom, and aside from Wahlstrom’s takedown (I never score points for a takedown) I don’t think he did much to write the head office about.

You’ve Been Hit By…. A Smooth DeAngelo
Then, a funny thing happened. As the refs were sorting through the wreckage, the Flyers broadcast team pointed out it must have been nostalgia night on the Island, and what they had just seen looked very 80’s indeed. I agree, except if it was the 80’s everyone would have squared off for a choreographed Smooth Criminal group dance afterwards. Either way, DeAngelo vs. Wahlstrom on 11/27 set the stage for what happened last night.

Matt Martin vs. Zack MacEwen – The Power of Seventeens
Things got started at the :07 second mark of Tuesday’s first period when the Islanders Matt Martin, and the Flyers Zack MacEwen dropped the buckets right as the game started. I have long been a Matt Martin fan, and this fight is a big reason why. After controlling the donny early with some heavy rights, MacEwen found himself outmatched by the more experienced Martin. Martin came back with some heavy bombs then a few quick right jabs, then a few more heavy rights before Bis Mac decided it was time to hang on and go for the takedown. Mac did a nice job, but this is a win for Martin.

Before they were even done announcing the first fight, Nicolas Deslauriers of the Flyers and Ross Johnston of the Islanders got squared up. After a very long, sizing-each-other-up dance, Deslauriers had had enough and went to work delivering a very hard right. This scrap was very different from the first, in that it was way more tactical and featured more grappling.

I love ESPN announcers John Buccigross, and Kevin Weekes handling the call on this fight. Both men seemed as giddy as I found myself, and enjoyed the scrap while having obvious fun announcing it. I’m going to score it a draw and give Johnston all the credit in the world for standing in there with the NHL’s fighting leader right now.

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Get Off the Shed!


in Minnesota Wild, Marcus Foligno, Ryan Reaves

I trust everyone had a great Thanksgiving. I myself went to my local for the Bruins game Wednesday, and a great local band to boot. Thursday, we went back to the local for the annual Thanksgiving breakfast. And it was remarkably eventful. And not at all disappointing. Mother of God.

A slovenly and very tipsy woman fell off the stage area where the food was, and a fellow Bruins fan wanted to fight me -because he didn’t understand obvious and blatant sarcasm. Yes, this was the friggin’ breakfast. God bless Massachusetts.

Other than that, for the remainder of the day, I could be found lounging on the couch whilst thinking about the big trade that just happened. And possibly continuing to goon Bud Lites. I’m not proud.

Hey, Brandon? Need You to Be a Buddy…
Yes, it seems our old pal Ryan Reaves has been dealt again. From the bottom of the deck. Apparently, the Rangers were looking to dump some salary duckets and shipped Reaves off to the Minnesota Wild in exchange for a draft pick.

Reaves and Foligno – New Best Buddies?
What makes this move especially interesting, is that Reaves and Marcus Foligno of the Wild had a very spirited fight back in October. I’ve often wondered what it’s like when former combatants are now on the same team… for many years now.

I know some of these guys are super “tight” (in terms of friendship – not BAC) and others simply don’t like each other, regardless of whether they suddenly go from adversaries to teammates. For his part, Foligno said all the right things about the Reaves acquisition (“He’s a tough kid – brings that edge“). But did he mean it?

Foligno also didn’t really agree he absolutely needed to fight Reaves back in October (obvious when looking at the reel) but obliged him anyway. The two have been in the lineup together for 2 games thus far, and Marcus had a fight just last night. Nothing from Reaves.

Are there enough minutes for these guys to both play, and are there enough enforcers even left for them to fight? I’m always looking for a good west coast team to watch. Going forward, the Minnesota Wild could be it.

Perhaps it will change the way other teams treat them in terms of roughhousing (Get off the shed!). We will be keeping an eye on this new dastardly duo.

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Join Us in Celebrating Another “Arber Day”


in AJ Greer, Arber "Wifi" Xhekaj, Hamilton Bulldogs, Hockey Fight Recaps, Montreal Canadiens, Nicolas Deslauriers

Stop me if you’ve heard this one, but Arber “WiFi” Xhekaj got into yet another fight over the weekend. This type of goonery does our hearts good, and his time he tangled with former Canadien (and tough hombre in his own right) Nicolas Deslauriers of the Philadelphia Flyers. Incidentally this is WiFi’s 3rd scrap of the year and Deslauriers’ 6th. Deslauriers now moves into the lead for fighting majors in the 2022-2023 NHL season.

The fight itself wasn’t very memorable. WiFi lays a nice hard hit on a Flyers forward. Deslauriers took exception, and a tussle ensued. Some right hands are exchanged with a particularly hard thud to WiFi’s face at the end of the tilt. Again, not much of a scrap and I score it a win for Deslauriers. It’s the first time I have seen Xhekaj lose one. What struck me, and continues to, is the old school way in which Arber Xhekaj is staying in the league. Since the lengths at which he’s willing to go moving into 2023 is the talk of the town – this doesn’t seem likely to change anytime soon.

If you pull up Arber Xhekaj on hockeydb.com, one gets a remarkably consistent line. He spent 4 years in the OHL and was in Kitchener for three and a half of those years. The last 33 games of his Junior career, he was in Hamilton, Ontario (the Pittsburgh of Canada) plying his trade for the Bulldogs. Interestingly enough, he never registered more that six goals to go with eleven assists in a season for either team. WiFi is a big boy. He stands 6’4” tall, weighs 238 lbs, and was never drafted. Nothing overly remarkable there, right?

I think what’s so interesting for me, and why I’m admittedly gushing fanboy style for a Montreal Canadien, is Arber Xhejaj‘s willingness to stay in the NHL. 18 Games in the league, he’s recorded two goals and three assists to go with 45 PIMs. His enthusiasm in dropping the gloves (with anyone) is a throwback to the days when guys knew that often the only way to stay in the show was to drop the mitts from time to time. Good on Deslauriers for giving the kid a shot as well. He’s a seasoned vet at his trade and really didn’t have to fight when he did, but did so anyway.

Montreal Canadiens: Arber Xhekaj
Do they still celebrate “Arber Day”? Or “Arber Weekend”? See what I did there?

So far, this season has had a very nostalgic feel overall. In Boston, you’ve got a classic AHL/NHL tweener in AJ Greer. He has shown his willingness to not make the trip down 95 right from the start of camp. While I am bemoaning the lack of fights and fighters in the NHL, there seems to be a good scrap from somewhere nearly every night. Is it the one a game from the old days? Absolutely not. The game just isn’t played that way anymore.

But, if you look closely, there are still a few guys out there willing to do whatever they can to stay in the show. And thank goodness for that, because otherwise we wouldn’t have much to write about.

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Arber “Wifi” Xhekaj Has Our Attention


in Arber "Wifi" Xhekaj, Columbus Blue Jackets, Hockey Fight Recaps, Montreal Canadiens

The WiFi is at it again! And I don’t mean my router just shat the bed. Last night in Columbus, Arber “WiFi” Xhekaj of the Montreal Canadiens, and Matthieu Olivier of the hometown Columbus Blue Jackets had a spirited little bout as the second period came to a close.

While we’ve recently bemoaned the reduction of fighting and the classic goon archetype in the “New NHL”, it sure feels like there’ve been quite a few squaring-ups over the last week, eh? Your thoughts are welcome in the comments. My thought? “I’ll take it“.

Arber “WiFi” Xhekaj of the Montreal Canadiens has been putting the “G” back in “Goon”.

Montreal had just tied the score at 2-a-side, when the puck needed to be dropped to run off the final second of the period. There used to be a ton of fights like these in the NHL, but these days most guys are content to get to the room, have a smoke… oh, wait… that’s also what they did in the old days. I mean: get to the room, have a Biosteel Recovery drink, do some pilates or whatever the fuck and watch Paramount+ on their Firestick.

Last night, the puck hadn’t even hit the ice and Xhekaj (pronounced Jack-I) and Olivier had their gloves off. WiFi got in a few short rights and a really nice uppercut. Olivier countered with a hard right of his own, which teetered Xhekaj back onto his heels a bit. Olivier then landed a right to score the takedown. He also gave WiFi a shot to the back of the head while he was down.

I score the fight a win for Montreal’s Arber Xhekaj. It’s just “physics” that got the better of him at the end. And if you don’t know about this kid, look him up. They call him WiFi because his last name looks like a WiFi password, and he was out of hockey working at a Costco not all that long ago.

I love that he’s doing whatever he can to avoid having to go back to selling the $1.50 hotdog combo. Oh, even better? Montreal went on to lose 6-4.

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