Arber Xhekaj officiating controversy creates latest playoff problem for Canadiens

In fact, since the beginning of the NHL playoffs in general!

The Canadiens defenseman appears to be heavily targeted by NHL officials in every one of his games.

And several analysts are now openly complaining about it on social media.

Anthony Marcotte did not hold back after another questionable penalty against number 72 last night.

That is exactly the kind of observation that comes up in every game involving the big Montreal-born defenseman.

Referees are penalizing Arber Xhekaj for the slightest contact in the playoffs

Jordan Decker also spoke out to criticize the penalty against the defenseman.

The referees are not penalizing the action. They are penalizing the player.

It is the worst-case scenario for a physical defenseman like Xhekaj.

Number 72 can no longer play his natural game without risking a trip to the penalty box for the slightest contact with an opponent.

And that is exactly what happened last night at KeyBank Center.

A small tap with his stick.

And the referee raises his arm to call a slashing penalty.

Let’s be honest, it is ridiculous.

Several opposing players make the exact same play every shift without any consequence.

It is a reality the defenseman has had to deal with since the beginning of his NHL career.

His reputation as a physical player follows him everywhere he goes.

And the officials seem to have adopted the approach of watching every one of his actions more closely than those of other players.

For Martin St-Louis, it is a difficult situation to manage.