Canadiens' Xhekaj Calls Out Panthers' Gudas

Montreal Canadiens' rookie tough guy Arber Xhekaj spoke out about Florida Panthers' Radko Gudas after their game the other night with some harsh words. Xhekaj said this about Gudas not answering the bell to fight in the game, "he never does. I don't know what's up with that guy. He'll be taking runs at guys' knees all game. He does play hard. I'll give it to him. But at some point you've got to be able to show that you're going to be able to do that."

The Panthers scored five unanswered goals in the second period and put the game out of reach despite back-to-back goals to start the third period by the Canadiens. It's not always in the best interest of a player on the winning team to fight and give the trailing team any momentum. That could have been the case here, regardless of what hits or plays Gudas may have done. He's a veteran and has been around long enough to know when fighting would benefit his team. The Panthers can't afford to lose any points at this stage as they are fighting to stay in contention for a playoff spot.

Xhekaj on the other hand is on a sinking Canadiens and wants to keep doing what he can to stick around for a long time. He's on a path to becoming the most feared fighter in the NHL already and it appears as though he will drop the gloves with anybody.