{"id":440061,"date":"2026-01-29T04:08:08","date_gmt":"2026-01-29T04:08:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/440061\/"},"modified":"2026-01-29T04:08:08","modified_gmt":"2026-01-29T04:08:08","slug":"canadiens-make-a-lineup-decision-with-brendan-gallagher-thats-raising-eyebrows","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/440061\/","title":{"rendered":"Canadiens make a lineup decision with Brendan Gallagher that\u2019s raising eyebrows"},"content":{"rendered":"


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\n\t\t\t\t\t \"Mar <\/p>\n

Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Martin St-Louis\u2019 stubborn insistence on using Brendan Gallagher in a key power-play role is starting to raise eyebrows among many observers.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s one specific sequence that\u2019s drawing attention and fueling today\u2019s discussions.<\/p>\n

We regularly see No. 11 positioned at the point during offensive-zone faceoffs on the man advantage.<\/p>\n

That strategy is puzzling, especially considering the player\u2019s profile.<\/p>\n

The excellent Marc-Olivier Cook highlighted this point clearly today. He admitted he doesn\u2019t understand this specific usage of the veteran.<\/p>\n

“With all due respect to MSL, I really don\u2019t understand the use of Brendan Gallagher at the point on the power play for a faceoff.<\/p>\n

What does he bring there? It\u2019s not like he has a booming shot or exceptional playmaking vision.”<\/p>\n

– Marc Olivier Cook<\/p>\n

Gallagher built his career on courage and net-front presence, not on quarterbacking a power play.<\/p>\n

As Cook points out, he doesn\u2019t possess a booming shot or exceptional vision to operate from the blue line.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Patrik Laine, a natural goal scorer with a lethal shot, is stuck watching the game in a suit and tie.<\/p>\n

The Montreal Canadiens commit to Brendan Gallagher no matter what<\/p>\n

No one will ever question the heart and soul Gallagher has poured into this team for more than a decade.<\/p>\n

However, the reality of the NHL is ruthless, and the game appears to have slowed down for the 33-year-old winger.<\/p>\n

His reaction time and skating are no longer what they were in his prime.<\/p>\n

Asking him to run the play from the point may be putting him in situations where he simply isn\u2019t equipped to excel.<\/p>\n

Some fans would like to see St-Louis have the courage to cut back his ice time.<\/p>\n

The option of rotating the lineup to insert fresh legs like Laine\u2019s or even Sammy Blais\u2019 is on the table.<\/p>\n

Respecting the past is crucial in a locker room, but it shouldn\u2019t come at the expense of present effectiveness.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a delicate situation Martin St-Louis will have to manage.<\/p>\n

Speaking of which, let\u2019s remember that the Montreal Canadiens announced today that four players were skating as extras: Joe Veleno, Sammy Blais, Patrik Laine and Jayden Struble.<\/p>\n

That confirms the status of names like Gallagher and Arber Xhekaj.<\/p>\n

Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics<\/p>\n

POLL<\/p>\n

5 HOURS AGO\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0|\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0392 ANSWERS<\/p>\n

Canadiens make a lineup decision with Brendan Gallagher that\u2019s raising eyebrows<\/p>\n

Should Martin St-Louis remove Brendan Gallagher from the power play?<\/p>\n

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