montreal player Brendan Gallagher suspention last week
Montreal Canadiens forward Brendan Gallagher received a five-game suspension due to an illegal check to the head of New York Islanders defenseman Adam Pelech, as announced by the NHL Department of Player Safety on Friday. The incident took place during Thursday’s game at 8:08 of the third period, resulting in Gallagher receiving a match penalty and being ejected from the game.
Gallagher will forfeit around $170,000 in salary in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement. Though Gallagher had no previous suspensions, this hit resulted in a severe penalty for a first-time offender. While known for his hard play and challenging demeanor, this move was out of line for Gallagher.
For the Canadiens, this hit, while uncharacteristic of Gallagher, highlights a pattern of late-game penalties that have been a recurring issue this season. Although the Canadiens won the game, Gallagher’s actions nearly jeopardized the victory. At this point in his career, Gallagher should be serving as a role model for younger players, especially in terms of professional conduct in key game situations. His actions were not reflective of a veteran leader.
While the Canadiens will miss Gallagher, his absence may not severely impact the team’s performance on the ice, highlighting his role more as a veteran leader rather than a crucial player. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of leadership and discipline, especially for a team looking to rebuild.
On the other hand, the Islanders may face a significant loss if Pelech, who just returned from a 23-game absence due to a wrist injury, is sidelined for a lengthy period due to a possible concussion sustained during the game. Pelech’s absence could hurt the Islanders’ chances of making the playoffs, as he is one of the team’s key defensemen. Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello may need to seek a replacement for Pelech, but finding a suitable top-four defenseman before the trade deadline could prove challenging.
