Ex-Habs Star Criticizes Martin St-Louis’ Management of Xhekaj and Struble
The management choices of Martin St-Louis regarding defensemen have sparked considerable debate among Montreal Canadiens fans. This discussion intensified with the frequent swapping of Arber Xhekaj and Jayden Struble. Critics, including former Canadiens player Maxim Lapierre, have publicly voiced their concerns.
Maxim Lapierre’s Critique
Maxim Lapierre criticized St-Louis’ decisions during a recent episode of the La Poche Bleue podcast. He expressed frustration over Xhekaj’s treatment compared to Struble, emphasizing that media scrutiny often falls on Xhekaj after mistakes.
Lack of Media Focus on Struble
Lapierre pointed out, “It’s weird that Xhekaj, every time he makes a mistake, he’s on the ‘front page’ of the Journal de Montréal.” His comments highlighted the perceived double standards in how each player is viewed by the media.
Expert Opinions
The debate continued with Tony Marinaro, who provided a counterpoint. He remarked, “Struble might be better technically, but Xhekaj has been playing better than him lately.” This suggests a preference for Xhekaj in the current lineup.
Future Implications for Canadiens
As the season progresses, fans are eager to see how St-Louis will navigate the defensemen situation. The anticipated return of Kaiden Guhle could further complicate the lineup decisions.
- Maxim Lapierre critiques media treatment of Xhekaj and Struble.
- Lapierre emphasizes Xhekaj’s frequent media scrutiny.
- Tony Marinaro supports Xhekaj based on recent performance.
- Kanadiens fans are watchful of lineup changes as Guhle returns.
The ongoing discussions about Martin St-Louis’ management of Xhekaj and Struble illustrate the passionate involvement of Canadiens fans and former players in the team’s dynamics this season.
