Comparing Players: Montreal Canadiens vs Boston Bruins

May 8, 2014; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens right wing Brendan Gallagher (11) and Boston Bruins center Gregory Campbell (11) collide during the first period in game four of the second round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports

Brad Marchand vs Brendan Gallagher

Put yourselves in the shoes of a GM for a moment, and if you had a spot on your team for an effective pest who puts up decent points, from a list who would you chose? I honestly can’t think of many who are generally as effective as both of these players. What I was looking for was a willingness to get dirty, points, penalty minutes, and gumption. Some are tangible while others aren’t, but what else are you looking for in your pest? You need someone who other teams are going to want to punch in the face and draw a penalty for his efforts.

Brad Marchand is a proven winner, but he was young when the Bruins won their cup. He’s proven to be able to score if given the chance, but has the penchant for taking the dumbest of penalties at the worst time possible. Sometimes I feel that he thinks he’s a goon instead of a very talented hockey player and his antics cost his team points. Still there is his upside which is the ability to produce points at the rate of a first line player. He’s plagued with inconsistency, but he’s still very young and could develop into a rare mix of skill, grit and gumption.

Brendan Gallagher has a smile that will light up a room, or make you punch him in the face for standing over your goalie. There are zero players in the NHL currently have more goaltender interference penalties than him, and he pays for it every time. His willingness to go to the “hard” areas is evident as is his drive to win. He doesn’t have the pure talent that Marchand has, but what he lacks in pure skill he makes up for with determination. I don’t think he’ll ever blossom into a first line winger, but a solid second line agitator who contributes nightly to his team’s success.

Statline

So who do you prefer? The skillset with a temper, or the determination to be a factor every night?