By Canadian Press

NHL suspends Habs forward Gallagher five games for illegal check to the head

Jan 26, 2024 | 2:58 PM

NEW YORK — The NHL has suspended Montreal Canadiens forward Brendan Gallagher five games for an illegal check to the head.

Gallagher caught Islanders defenceman Adam Pelech with a clear elbow to the head at centre ice at 11:50 of the third period of Montreal’s game Thursday night against visiting New York.

Gallagher received a match penalty for his actions. While the Islanders scored twice on the ensuing power play, Montreal held on for a 4-3 win.

The Canadiens forward will forfeit US$169,270.85 in salary under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement between the NHL and the NHL Players’ Association. The money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.

Gallagher, who has never been previously suspended and has been fined once in his 723-game career, will be eligible to return Feb. 15 when the Canadiens face the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden.

Looped In

LOOPED IN WITH NIKKI OMEN: December 12, 2024

13h ago

One Man's Opinion

COLLINS: North Shore BIA working hard to develop a 'happening place'

19h ago

1000 Ways to Heal

1000 Ways to Heal: Moons

Dec 10, 2024

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 26, 2024.

The Canadian Press