Ducks forward Jeffrey Viel explains refusal to fight Arber Xhekaj after hit on Canadiens’ Kirby Dach

Frustration was palpable last night at the Bell Centre when Kirby Dach had to head to the locker room.

We can agree the tension rose another level when Viel refused to drop the gloves with Arber Xhekaj. Many fans saw it as a lack of courage from the Ducks forward.

Viel’s hand is so swollen that a fight could have seriously worsened the issue for the rest of the season. He even took the time to give that explanation to Xhekaj and Anderson during the game.

Jeffrey Viel is not known for backing down, especially given his physical style of play. Since joining the Ducks on January 16, he has worked hard to establish himself physically.

Acquired from the Boston Bruins, the Rimouski native has 6 points in 20 games with his new team. He is considered a depth player who relies primarily on intensity and size.

Dach’s absence will hurt the Canadiens

The Canadiens need Kirby Dach healthy to continue their progress this season. A prolonged absence from the forward would create a major hole in the top six, regardless of how the contact happened.

Montreal has lost its last two games, and the team cannot afford to lose its key players. Dach’s loss comes at a time when chemistry was just starting to take shape.