[Must See] Habs' Arber Xhekaj chucks knuckles with Nic Deslauriers in heavyweight scrap

Montreal Canadiens’ Arber Xhekaj and Philadelphia Flyers’ Nic Deslauriers squared off in a heavyweight scrap during Tuesday’s matchup at Bell Centre.

The altercation occurred in the third period as Xhekaj and Deslauriers dropped the gloves for a center-ice heavyweight throw-down that had the entire arena roaring. Notably, this was the second career fight between the two.

Both players traded heavy blows, but Nicolas Deslauriers’ clean shots landed more effectively, getting the better of Arber Xhekaj.

Watch the video below:

Both players were issued a five-minute major penalty for fighting.

Arber Xhekaj's Canadiens drop points to Nic Deslauriers' Flyers in a shootout

On Tuesday, the Montreal Canadiens lost 5-4 to the Philadelphia Flyers in a shootout at Centre Bell.

Bobby Brink opened the scoring for the Flyers, giving them a 1-0 lead just 1:56 into the opening period. Cam York increased the visitors’ lead to 2-0 with a power-play goal at 7:07. Just 43 seconds later, Brink scored his second of the night to put the Flyers up 3-0—also on the power play.

The Habs rallied in the second period with four unanswered goals from Kirby Dach (twice), Nick Suzuki, and Ivan Demidov, making it 4-3 for Montreal.

Nikita Grebenkin then scored for the Flyers at 10:51 of the final period to tie it 4-4 and force overtime. After a goalless extra frame, the Flyers emerged victorious in the shootout.

The Canadiens play the New Jersey Devils next on Thursday. The puck at Prudential Center drops at 7 p.m. ET.

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Edited by Abhishek Dilta