Hockey fights have always been a part of the game, fueling adrenaline, rallying teams, and electrifying fans. But every once in a while, a fight erupts that becomes the talk of the league—a raw, dominant display of toughness that leaves a lasting impression.
That’s exactly what happened when Montreal Canadiens enforcer Arber Xhekaj squared off against Colorado Avalanche defenseman Keaton Middleton. What started as a typical heavyweight bout quickly turned into a lopsided beatdown, with Xhekaj dropping Middleton to the ice and continuing the assault until referees had to step in to save him.
In this blog post, we’ll break down the fight, its impact on the game, and what it says about both players.
The Build-Up: Why Did Xhekaj and Middleton Fight?
Physicality is a key part of hockey, and tensions between the Canadiens and Avalanche had been brewing throughout the game. Montreal’s aggressive forecheck and Xhekaj’s presence on the ice had already set the stage for a potential scrap.
Midway through the second period, a hard hit along the boards sparked a confrontation between Middleton and Canadiens forward Josh Anderson. As the two exchanged words, Xhekaj immediately skated over, signaling that he was ready to drop the gloves.
Middleton accepted the challenge. The crowd roared in anticipation.
Two big, tough defensemen were about to square off at center ice.
The Fight: Xhekaj Overpowers Middleton
As soon as the gloves hit the ice, it was clear this was going to be a brutal clash.
The Opening Seconds
Both players grabbed hold of each other, looking for leverage. Middleton threw the first punch, a wild right that barely connected. Xhekaj, staying composed, absorbed the blow and responded with a heavy right hand that snapped Middleton’s head back.
The Turning Point
After exchanging a few more punches, Xhekaj started to take control. His superior balance and technique allowed him to land clean shots while dodging Middleton’s counters.
Then came the decisive moment:
- Xhekaj landed a massive right hook to Middleton’s jaw.
- Middleton stumbled but tried to stay upright.
- Xhekaj followed up with another brutal shot, sending Middleton crashing to the ice.
At this point, the fight should have been over—but Xhekaj wasn’t done.
The Beatdown Continues
Unlike most hockey fights where a takedown signals the end, Xhekaj kept throwing punches while Middleton was down. His fists rained down, prompting the referees to jump in and break it up.
Middleton was left dazed and bloodied, barely able to skate away as the officials pulled Xhekaj off of him.
It was a one-sided destruction, one of the most dominant fights of the NHL season.
Reaction: Players, Fans, and Media Weigh In
Middleton’s Teammates Defend Him
Despite the lopsided loss, Middleton’s Avalanche teammates praised his toughness.
Jack Drury, Avalanche forward, said:
“Keaton is as tough as they come. He stood up for his team, and that’s what matters.”
Others, however, questioned whether Middleton should have fought Xhekaj in the first place. As one NHL insider noted:
“Middleton is big, but Xhekaj is a trained fighter. This wasn’t a fair matchup.”
Xhekaj’s Growing Reputation
On the other side, Xhekaj’s reputation as one of the league’s toughest players only grew.
Montreal fans exploded with excitement on social media, with some comparing him to legendary enforcers like Bob Probert and Chris Nilan.
One fan wrote:
“Xhekaj is the toughest guy in the league right now. No one wants to fight him!”
Even opposing players took notice. A former NHL enforcer tweeted:
“Xhekaj has that old-school enforcer mentality. He doesn’t just win fights—he dominates them.”
Debate Over the Extended Beatdown
While most praised Xhekaj’s strength, some criticized him for continuing to punch Middleton while he was down.
Former NHL referee Tim Peel weighed in:
“You have to respect the code. Once a guy is down, you stop. The refs did the right thing stepping in.”
However, others argued that Middleton had initiated the fight and simply lost decisively.
What This Means for Xhekaj and Middleton Moving Forward
For Arber Xhekaj
Xhekaj’s dominance in this fight cements his status as one of the NHL’s premier enforcers. He already had a reputation for being fearless, but this performance showed that he isn’t just tough—he’s a devastating fighter.
Expect teams to think twice before challenging him.
This fight also boosts his standing with the Canadiens coaching staff. With Montreal in a rebuilding phase, Xhekaj provides a physical presence that helps protect young stars like Cole Caufield and Juraj Slafkovsky.
His next challenge? Finding the balance between playing tough and staying disciplined. While this fight made headlines, he’ll need to avoid unnecessary penalties to remain valuable on the ice.
For Keaton Middleton
This was a tough loss for Middleton, but it doesn’t mean he’s done as an enforcer.
He showed heart and courage—qualities that his teammates respect. The key moving forward will be learning from this fight. Perhaps he needs to work on:
- Better positioning to avoid getting overwhelmed.
- Improved footwork to stay balanced.
- Defense to protect himself against skilled fighters like Xhekaj.
Middleton will have another fight down the road, and he’ll be looking for redemption.
The Role of Fighting in Today’s NHL
Fighting has long been a controversial topic in hockey. While it has decreased in frequency, it still serves a role in maintaining the game’s physicality and intensity.
This fight reignited debates about:
- Should fights be stopped earlier? Some argued the referees took too long to intervene.
- Is Xhekaj too dominant? Some wondered if he’s in a league of his own when it comes to fighting.
- Should teams still carry enforcers? Montreal clearly values Xhekaj’s role, but not all teams prioritize fighters anymore.
One thing is clear: fans still love a good hockey fight, and this one will be remembered for a long time.
Final Thoughts: A Fight for the Ages
Arber Xhekaj vs. Keaton Middleton was more than just a fight—it was a statement.
- Xhekaj proved he’s an unstoppable force in NHL fights.
- Middleton showed courage, but was simply outmatched.
- The referees had to step in to stop the beatdown.
Hockey fights may not be as common as they once were, but this one was a throwback to the old-school enforcer days. It was brutal, one-sided, and unforgettable.
For Xhekaj, this is just another chapter in his rise as the NHL’s toughest player.
For Middleton, it’s a lesson learned—one that he’ll carry into his next battle.
One thing’s for sure: if these two ever meet again, fans will be watching closely.
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