Clash of Rivals Heats Up
Tuesday night saw the Montreal Canadiens and the Ottawa Senators engage in a fierce preseason matchup that tested the limits of both teams. The Atlantic Division rivals exchanged blows in a game that culminated in a staggering total of 152 penalty minutes. This was not just a game, but a spectacle of intensity that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Xhekaj Brothers Take Center Stage
In the midst of the chaos, the Xhekaj brothers, Arber and Florian, were hard at work, making their presence known. Each brother found himself in two separate skirmishes against opponents Jan Jenik and Zack MacEwen. Their willingness to engage in physical confrontations not only energized Canadiens fans but also set the tone for a match steeped in rivalry.
Concern for Demidov
While the Xhekaj brothers thrived in the mayhem, not all attention was pleasant for the Canadiens. Senators forward Nick Cousins targeted young star winger Ivan Demidov, igniting concern among Canadiens supporters. Cousins first attempted a hit on Demidov along the boards, but the real worry came when he slashed Demidov on the hand and wrist moments later. The fifth overall pick in the 2024 draft visibly grimaced in pain, leaving fans anxious about his condition.
Positive Update on Demidov
Fortunately, relief came swiftly. Sportsnet Insider Elliotte Friedman provided an update on Wednesday morning, easing fears surrounding Demidov’s injury. He reported, “Don’t believe there’s any long-term injury concern for Demidov after the slash he took last night.” This news was met with a collective sigh of relief from Canadiens supporters, who had held their breath during the incident.
As the preseason continues, the rivalry between the Canadiens and Senators promises to remain fiery, with both teams poised to bring the heat as they gear up for the regular season.
