Montreal Canadiens Arber Xhekaj plays his best games yet as Alex Texier is the Habs MVP of the week

Arber Xhekaj ignites the Montreal Canadiens faithful with his most impressive games yet, bringing much-needed energy and physicality as the Habs jockey for a top Atlantic Division spot. Can Montreal maintain their upward momentum with key roster moves on the horizon and goaltending finally stabilizing?Laura Saba and Ian Boisvert analyze the Canadiens’ recent shutout loss to the Detroit Red Wings, break down Jacob Fowler's much-criticized play on a Detroit goal against, and offer praise for Xhekaj’s dynamic on-ice presence. The conversation covers Nick Suzuki’s underrated leadership, Alex Texier’s breakout scoring surge, and the looming challenge of upcoming back-to-back clashes against the Vancouver Canucks, Washington Capitals, Buffalo Sabres, and Ottawa Senators. Is this the stretch that defines Montreal’s playoff push? Get insights on strategy, roster depth, and the ever-shifting power balance in the Atlantic.00:00 Jacob Fowler's Goalie Instincts05:18 Canadiens Eyeing Division's Top Spot07:43 Arber's Improved Decision-Making10:11 Arber Xhekaj Praised Again13:11 Unbelievable Montreal Hockey Atmosphere17:15 Canadiens' Optimism Amid Goaltending Improvement21:27 Quo Offer & Locked On Perks23:32 Canadiens' Momentum Boost Game27:44 Unmet Expectations, Slow Progress30:06 Ottawa Lending Credence to Rumors37:18 Locked On Canadiens: Join Us EverywhereFollow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOCanadiens?sid=YouTubeLocked On NHL League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Prospects & More🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNHL Find Locked On Canadiens anywhere:https://lintr.ee/LockedOnCanadiensAlso make sure to follow Locked on Canadiens and their hosts on Bluesky!Locked on Canadiens: https://bsky.app/profile/lockedoncanadiens.bsky.socialFind Ian on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/maybeitsian.bsky.socialFind Laura on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/theactivestick.bsky.social#NHLHockey #MontrealCanadiens #Habs #nhl #nationalhockeyleague #canadiensmtl #canadiens Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans.Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclubSupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!IndeedNow, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/lockedon right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply.GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. So before tip-off, check the FanDuel app and see what’s dropping during NBA Happy Hour — every Friday from 6 to 7:30 PM Eastern. A little basketball, a little action, and a whole lot of Friday energy.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.