Brendan Gallagher's production has fallen off in recent years after a rash of injuries. It's a shame that Gallagher's prime was robbed from Montreal Canadiens fans with those injuries, but he continues to be one of the team's most significant leaders. Gallagher is also on pace to play every game this season, which is miraculous considering he stayed healthy for nearly the entire year and never missed any games from the birth of his first child. If Gallagher does play the remainder of the games, he is on pace to record his most points since 2019-20.
Gallagher was a menace on Tuesday night against the Ottawa Senators, recording three points and three shots on goal in just 12 minutes of ice-time. The effort broke a nine-game pointless streak, which came after two consecutive two-point efforts. It hasn't been the greatest couple off weeks for Gallagher, which could have something to do with the new arrivals in his personal life. However, his effort in Tuesday night's game, which was an early playoff-style preview, is good news for the Canadiens.
Brendan Gallagher scoring an empty netter while sending Stutzle flying into the net is so on brand. pic.twitter.com/nIQpJmG5bE
— Matt Drake (@DrakeMT) March 19, 2025
If Montreal can get Gallagher playing meaningful games in the same manner as Tuesday night it'll be a good run for the veteran. The longest-standing Canadiens is desperate to play some more postseason hockey at the Bell Centre, and we could see the best version of him in a long time. The playoff atmosphere on Tuesday night seemed to bring out the best in him, and that should only continue for the remainder of the season.
Gallagher is at his best when he is getting under the other teams' skin, which Patrik Laine outlined in his post-practice comments on Wednesday morning. Gallagher is the type of player that will drag his teammates into the fight and give them no choice but to follow his lead, which is a presence this young team needs.
""I hated him for about 8 years before I got here. I always hated him on the ice; I never had met him off the ice so. I think he's awesome! He's one of those heart and soul players that you know every time he jumps out there what you're getting""Patrik Laine
The Canadiens are in a playoff position for the first time in awhile. If Gallagher has anything to say about it, they won't relinquish that spot for the remainder of the year.