Montreal Canadiens: Analyzing What Veteran Laden Third Line Brings To Habs Lineup
Brendan Gallagher
Brendan Gallagher…There is so much to say about him, but everybody already knows it. He has earned every minute of ice time the exact same way, working his tail off and doing the same simple things consistently for the benefit of the team. If he can stay healthy, it’s hard to bet against him scoring 20 goals, and maybe, 10-15 assists in ’24.
Gallagher is as versatile as his two linemates, and that in large part is because he plays the same way, regardless of who his linemates are. He has never been a huge presence physically but has continued to be effective in front of the opposing goalie, because he knows how to create havoc in the crease. The net front drive is a regular play for Gallagher, and because of that, Monahan and Pearson will benefit from the time and space, and increase the Canadiens goals for numbers.
The effectiveness of having a line that is just downright hard to play against, no matter what zone the puck is in, is an essential part of a winning lineup. This line will be just that, and Gallagher’s heart and big motor will be a huge reason for it. Being in the middle of everything is a great compliment to any forward, and these three all have that ability, and great transitional skills and instincts to create offence from defensive quickly.
They might not be the most exciting line or the line that impacts the game the most, but this line feels like it could be a massive complement to the Canadiens’ other three lines. Amid all the youth on the roster and vying for a spot, this line should remain intact, and their game footage should be reviewed in a teaching capacity. The effectiveness and importance of this line will go beyond on-ice play, and they will be great mentors on the bench.
Next. Three Players Who Raised Their Stock During Training Camp. dark
Want your voice heard? Join the A Winning Habit team!