Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
Martin St-Louis’ stubborn insistence on using Brendan Gallagher in a key power-play role is starting to raise eyebrows among many observers.
It’s one specific sequence that’s drawing attention and fueling today’s discussions.
We regularly see No. 11 positioned at the point during offensive-zone faceoffs on the man advantage.
That strategy is puzzling, especially considering the player’s profile.
The excellent Marc-Olivier Cook highlighted this point clearly today. He admitted he doesn’t understand this specific usage of the veteran.
“With all due respect to MSL, I really don’t understand the use of Brendan Gallagher at the point on the power play for a faceoff.
What does he bring there? It’s not like he has a booming shot or exceptional playmaking vision.”
– Marc Olivier Cook
Gallagher built his career on courage and net-front presence, not on quarterbacking a power play.
As Cook points out, he doesn’t possess a booming shot or exceptional vision to operate from the blue line.
Yet the head coach continues to entrust him with these important responsibilities. That decision becomes even harder to justify when you look up to the press box.
Patrik Laine, a natural goal scorer with a lethal shot, is stuck watching the game in a suit and tie.
The Montreal Canadiens commit to Brendan Gallagher no matter what
No one will ever question the heart and soul Gallagher has poured into this team for more than a decade.
However, the reality of the NHL is ruthless, and the game appears to have slowed down for the 33-year-old winger.
His reaction time and skating are no longer what they were in his prime.
Asking him to run the play from the point may be putting him in situations where he simply isn’t equipped to excel.
Some fans would like to see St-Louis have the courage to cut back his ice time.
The option of rotating the lineup to insert fresh legs like Laine’s or even Sammy Blais’ is on the table.
Respecting the past is crucial in a locker room, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of present effectiveness.
If the power play wants to regain its bite, this decision may need to be revisited. Gallagher is still useful, just probably not 60 feet from the opposing net.
It’s a delicate situation Martin St-Louis will have to manage.
Speaking of which, let’s remember that the Montreal Canadiens announced today that four players were skating as extras: Joe Veleno, Sammy Blais, Patrik Laine and Jayden Struble.
That confirms the status of names like Gallagher and Arber Xhekaj.
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics
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Canadiens make a lineup decision with Brendan Gallagher that’s raising eyebrows
Should Martin St-Louis remove Brendan Gallagher from the power play?