Craig Berube Makes Controversial Comments Ahead of Tonight's Game, A Physical Battle is Expected
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Tonight's game between the Montreal Canadiens and the Toronto Maple Leafs is highly anticipated.
On one hand, it's because these are two very important points in the standings for the Canadiens to secure, but also because it's a Saturday night game with stakes, live from the Bell Centre.
Speaking of tonight's game, it's worth mentioning that the Canadiens announced that Samuel Montembeault will be the starting goalie tonight against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Obviously, the tough defenseman Arber Xhekaj will be in uniform, and everything suggests he might be a target tonight.
The Maple Leafs want to get physical with the Montreal Canadiens tonight!
As reported by the excellent Anthony Marcotte of BPM Sports, it seems that Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube intends to throw fists with the Canadiens tonight.
It's a big game, Montreal. It's a big rivalry, obviously. They've got some physical players over there. So we've got to be physical tonight," Berube said. "They're playing extremely well. Playing fast, using their skill. They've got some real good skill over there. We've got to make sure that we're ready to go. And we've got to play a heavy game."
The last time Berube sent a similar message to his players against the Canadiens was during preseason, resulting in long-term injuries to Laine and Reinbacher due to questionable hits.
Ryan Reaves surprisingly has zero fights this season and will want to get his team going, he intends to be very physical tonight as reported by David Alter.
All the details can be found in the following text:
But don't be surprised if things get physical tonight with Reaves and Xhekaj. This seems to be the game plan for tonight's visitors, the Toronto Maple Leafs.
To be continued, indeed.
Arber Xhekaj, 6 feet 4 inches and 240 pounds, is a 23-year-old defenseman who has 5 points in 41 games this season and is playing very solid hockey. (67 penalty minutes and a -1 plus-minus)
Ryan Reaves, 6 feet 2 inches and 225 pounds, is a 37-year-old forward who has 2 points in 28 games this season and is not playing much physical hockey. (23 penalty minutes and a -1 plus-minus)
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JANVIER 18 | 1356 ANSWERS Craig Berube Makes Controversial Comments Ahead of Tonight's Game, A Physical Battle is Expected Do you want to see another Reaves vs Xhekaj fight? | ||
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| No | 481 | 35.5 % |
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