Game 3 between the Montreal Canadiens and Buffalo Sabres was a physical affair, with Arber Xhekaj drawing significant attention before the buzzer. The NHL Department of Player Safety fined the Canadiens defenseman for roughing Sam Carrick during a late-game incident.

The brawl unfolded with only four seconds left in the third period. During a confrontation near the boards, Arber Xhekaj threw a gloved punch at Carrick — who fell to the floor — before an official pulled him away.

After reviewing the play, Xhekaj was fined $3,385.42 for roughing — the highest penalty possible without suspending him. That means he will be available for the next game.

The money will go to the NHL Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund, as per NHL Public Relations.

Both the Montreal Canadiens and Buffalo Sabres had weathered a feisty night with constant hits and scrums after whistles. The game featured 80 penalty minutes between the two teams.

As for Arber Xhekaj, the defender is renowned for his tough and physical style. Since debuting in October 2022, he has established himself as one of the fiercest enforcers in the NHL.

He was previously fined before for fighting and aggressive play against the Maple Leafs in September 2024, showing his tough style can incur disciplinary action.

This wasn't Xhekaj's first brush with Carrick either. Back in October 2025, the two engaged in a fiery brawl after Carrick delivered a heavy hit on the Canadiens' defenseman Lane Hutson.

Xhekaj quickly retaliated with a blow on Carrick before the two dropped their gloves and began exchanging punches. The barrage continued until officials eventually stepped in to separate the two.

Game 3 featured a similar air of aggression, as the Canadiens and Sabres clashed inside a raucous Bell Centre.

In the same game, Sabres’ winger Beck Malenstyn also received a $3,515.63 fine for goalie interference against Jakub Dobes. Like Xhekaj, he is also available for the next game.

And as things stand, the Sabres can't afford any losses.

Canadiens Lead the Series After Game 3 Win

Despite losing Game 1 by 4-2, the Montreal Canadiens have since roared to a series lead. They went on to win the next two games quite convincingly, with Game 3 ending 6-2. 

After grabbing a quick opener thanks to Tage Thompson, the Sabres seemed destined for a fun night. However, the Canadiens struck back and walked away with a dominant victory. Alex Newhook and Cole Caufield led the scoring before the team posted another three goals in the second half.

Sabres' Rasmus Dahlin scored the second goal in an overall disappointing night for his team.

With Game 4 looming large, the Canadiens would love to extend their series lead to 3-1. On the other hand, the Sabres need to regroup and level the series on May 12.

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Written by

Kapil Manghnani

Edited by

Sijo Paul