REPORT: DJ Smith claims his players were TARGETTED by MTL players, THREATENS retaliation

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Dan
October 7, 2022 (9:37 PM)

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Coming off of a 4-3 pre-season victory over Atlantic conference rivals the Montreal Canadiens, Senators head coach DJ Smith had some choice words for the style of play and manner the Canadiens were conducting themselves during the game.

DJ Smith: «we don't like that the other team is targeting our guys. We'll be ready the next game.» @Senators @CanadiensMTL� Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) October 7, 2022

Smith is quoted as saying:

We don't like that the other team is targeting our guys. We'll be ready the next game.

Smith doesn't name any names but his comments are likely directed towards Canadiens prospect Arber Xhekaj who has fought several times in the pre-season, and is trying to establish himself as a physical player who can add an edge to the Canadiens game.

Many plays like Xhekaj are in a precarious position, trying to my the final cut for opening day roster as teams trim their players in preparation for the regular season.

Mark Kastelic throws Arber Xhekaj down in a fight for the second time! #GoSensGo

Kastelic gets the extra penalty even though Xhekaj was slashing him. pic.twitter.com/x21iMwsFLF� Everyday Sens (@EverydaySens) October 4, 2022

With some of most exciting games of the pre-season it will be interesting to see how the rivalry between Ottawa and Montreal continues in the regular season among the division rivals.