Canadiens’ Gallagher suspended five games for illegal check to the head
Posted January 26, 2024 11:54 am.
Last Updated January 26, 2024 5:49 pm.
Montreal Canadiens forward Brendan Gallagher has been suspended five games for an illegal check to the head of New Islanders defenceman Adam Pelech, the NHL’s department of player safety announced Friday.
As Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported earlier Friday, the hearing was held over the phone instead of in-person, meaning the maximum penalty Gallagher could receive was a suspension of five games.
Gallagher received a five-minute major and game misconduct during the third period of Thursday’s game. Gallagher caught Pelech with the elbow in the neutral zone well after the defenceman had passed the puck.
Pelech skated to the locker room after being attended to by a trainer, and did not return to the game. It is not yet known whether the 29-year-old will miss any time.
The Islanders, trailing 3-1 at the time of the hit, scored two goals on the ensuing power play to tie it. But the Canadiens scored a late goal to win 4-3.
Gallagher, 31, has eight goals and eight assists in 48 games this season.
This marks his first NHL suspension over the course of his 12-season career.
The Canadiens return to action Saturday when they face the Penguins in Pittsburgh.
