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Xhekaj scores on 97.22 mph shot, fastest on an NHL goal this season

The Montreal defenceman’s first goal of the season tied Thursday’s game against Utah at 2–2.

Montreal Canadiens defenceman Arber Xhekaj celebrates his goal against the Utah Mammoth with teammates at the Bell Centre.
Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

Arber Xhekaj’s first goal of the season came on a 97.22 mph one-timer. NHL EDGE clocked it as the fastest shot to score in the NHL this season, ahead of Travis Sanheim’s 95.71 mph goal on Oct. 1.

Xhekaj fired from the left point with 2:50 left in the first period at the Bell Centre. The puck got past Utah goaltender Sebastian Cossa to erase the Mammoth’s early two-goal lead. The Montreal Canadiens won 5–4 in overtime.

It was the hardest shot recorded in any NHL game on Thursday. Xhekaj’s shots have averaged 74.48 mph this season, compared with 68.35 mph for NHL defencemen, according to NHL EDGE. His career high is 102.23 mph, set in 2023–24.

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Topicsnhlmontreal canadiensutah mammotharber xhekajnhl edgeshot speed
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