It's hard to understand what Brendan Gallagher, Christian Dvorak, and Josh Anderson have gone through over the past number of years. It's a good story that all the young players on the Canadiens are getting their first taste of contending at the Bell Centre. However, its an even better story for the third line, as they've gone through some rough times with a light finally at the end of the tunnel. If the Canadiens do make the playoffs, Dvorak, Gallagher, and Anderson should be given their props.
Elliotte Friedman touched on the third line in his most recent episode of the 32 Thoughts Podcast. "Christian Dvorak is like a Hollywood monster villain that you thought was dead. Like Michael Myers, Jason Voorhees, or Freddy Krueger. Back to life. Montreal fans wanted him out of town in the worst way this season. Gallagher, as much as he might've struggled at times, they love Gallagher. Anderson, as much as he struggled at times, they liked him. [Dvorak] has completely rewritten the story."
No one had more of an emotional season off-the-ice than Gallagher. He went through the unfortunate passing of his mother, and then welcomed his first child. It has also been a tough couple of years for Dvorak, who joined Montreal in hopes of a fresh start but has been met with constant criticism from the fanbase. Then you have Anderson, who hasn't been living up to his status as a power forward.
The trio is turning it around this season. Dvorak is on pace to tie his career-high in points in Montreal, which he set in his first season with the Habs. Dvorak also has ten points in his last ten games. It's unfortunate for him, as the fans are finally starting to come around on him in the last 20 games of his contract. If he helps lead the team to success into the playoffs, the first three years of his tenure might be forgotten.
Gallagher is also on pace for his most points since the 2019-20 season. He matched Dvorak with ten points over his last ten games, making them a formidable third line and one worthy of a playoff spot. Anderson has five points in his last ten games, but has been the power forward force that the fans hoped he'd be.