It's an ongoing battle between defensemen Arber Xhekaj and Jordan Harris. It seems that as soon as one makes one too many mistakes, the other takes his turn, and the musical chairs continue.
The misfortune of some brings happiness to others, and Xhekaj is currently taking advantage, especially with Harris being injured. He has the opportunity to prove to his coach that he deserves his spot, but he hasn't seized it.
Indeed, the entire defense did not perform well against the Rangers, but Xhekaj was probably the worst. The game was too fast for him. We would really like to see him step up and erase any doubts in Martin St-Louis's mind, much like Jayden Struble did upon his arrival.
Xhekaj will have another chance on Saturday night as Jordan Harris is not yet ready. He is practicing with his teammates, but he is wearing a non-contact jersey, which means he is not ready, obviously.
With the injury he had, it's already a positive sign that Jordan is on the ice with his teammates. Now, Xhekaj needs to wake up and seize his opportunity because the Canadiens don't play until Wednesday, and Harris may have time to return.
