Montreal Canadiens Analysis: Brendan Gallagher is on pace for a career year
By Omar L
Brendan Gallagher has been one of the only positives for the Montreal Canadiens and could reach a new total if he continues his level of play.
There were a few players who Montreal Canadiens fans hoped would have a bounce-back year offensively. Tomas Plekanec only managed to put up ten goals and 18 assists after having a 54 point season the year before. Both Alex Galchenyuk and Brendan Gallagher dealt with injuries, and it affected how many times they were able to find the back of the net.
Galchenyuk went on a run of 23 points in 25 games before missing time with his knee injury and wasn’t the same upon returning. He finished the season with 17 goals which was disappointing considering he was one of two players to score 30 in the 2015-16 season.
Gallagher had a frustrating time as well after injuring his hand twice. Not only did it affect his shot, but it also made him reluctant to go in those areas where he’s had the most success. The 25-year-old, similarly to Plekanec, only scored ten but unfortunately others on the team managed to make up for it.
It’s been different for Gallagher this season where he has returned to being him. He’s been the Habs’ most consistent player and is leading the team in goals. Sure it’s bittersweet since we expected the likes of Galchenyuk, Max Pacioretty or Jonathan Drouin to be within that 15-goal realm right about now, but Gallagher is being rewarded for the work he puts in on the ice every night.
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With 15 in 37 games, the Edmonton native could reach a pretty significant goal total by the end of the season. If Gallagher continues to score at this pace, the Montreal Canadiens may have a new 30-goal scorer (33 goals to be exact).
The most he’s ever scored was 24 in the 2014-15 season, and to get 30+ from a player only making $3.75 million would be a satisfying feat. Unfortunately, how things are going for the Montreal Canadiens, Gallagher could be their only player to score that much.
There’s still the possibility that Pacioretty does it, but he would need at least one goal every other game. Considering the team captain only has one in his last 20 games, it’s looking more and more likely that he misses that mark for the first time since the shortened season.
Hopefully, our favourite agitator can continue to get these results for the Habs. Even though the fan base is slowly gravitating towards a bottom of the league finish, seeing Gallagher on his way to 30 goals could be something they could cheer for.
Can Gallagher continue to score at this pace? If so, will he be the team’s only 30-goal scorer? Let us know what you think down below.
Acknowledgements: Contract information from Capfriendly.com