It looks like there will be a before and after for Arber Xhekaj, who has been playing very good hockey for a few games.
• Also read: Kent Hughes reportedly turned down excellent offer for Arber Xhekaj’s services
• Also read: Dach must manage his emotions: “His mind must be strong”
In mid-October, the big defender was a bit mixed up and was even left out three times in six games by Martin St-Louis. Since he returned to the lineup, things have been much better.
Before this streak, he had a defensive record of -6 in eight games and since then, he has gone to +3 in as many outings.
Better yet, Martin St-Louis does not hesitate to entrust him with more responsibilities. In the last three games, his playing time increased from 13:37 to 15:57 and finally to 17:10 against the Oilers on Monday.
Pace
“He got into a rhythm and we tried to give him one with close matches and you see that he is gaining confidence with these repetitions,” St-Louis said on Wednesday. He has a lot more consistency in his defensive responsibilities and the more confidence there is, the better you will be.
“It’s a progression and it didn’t happen overnight. It’s a succession of actions one after the other and he’s building his game.”
He also likes that Xhekaj uses his stick more to hinder the work of opposing players.
“You have a stick not just to pass, you have a stick to bother the other team. You have to use it.”
Video
According to David Savard, Xhekaj’s game is the logical continuation of the work accomplished by the team and his young teammate is working to properly implement the concepts that are put forward by the coaching staff.
“We spoke as a group of defenders [dont] we had to find a way to try to cut more games and we emphasized that in the videos. He put it into practice and it helps his game a lot and it allows him to go on the offensive.”
It also seems that Xhekaj found the right balance in his physical game, he who likes to use his big size, but who sometimes did it clumsily.
“Of course when you arrive in the National League [de hockey]there is an adjustment, the guys protect the puck in a different way and we have to find a way to outsmart them, notes Savard. In junior, you are able to push guys a little more easily.
“I like how he’s playing right now, he’s regained his ease, he’s confident with the puck and it shows.”
Dach must be stronger
If Xhekaj has found himself, Kirby Dach is still looking for himself, he who has one goal and seven assists in 19 games and who displays the worst differential on the team at -13.
“He has a very good attitude. It sure can be discouraging at times. Your mind must be stronger than your emotions,” explains Martin St-Louis.
Not easy for a player who is emotional. A player who is also perhaps a little stifled by blinders at the moment.
“His touches aren’t as accurate as usual and I think it’s a question of confidence,” said his coach. Sometimes a player needs a favorable rebound because his work ethic is good.
Kirby Dach. – Photo Martin Chevalier
