Brendan Gallagher avoids worst case scenario from NHL for his illegal check to Pelech’s head

Everyone expected Montreal Canadiens forward Brendan Gallagher to get a lengthy suspension as soon as he was tossed from last night’s game for his illegal check to the head on New York Islanders’ Adam Pelech.

However it seems like Gallagher has avoided the worst case scenario on Friday morning, when the NHL’s Department of Player Safety announced that he would have a hearing later today for his actions.

The hearing is not in person, which means that the suspension will be no longer than five games.

The incident took place during the third period of the game at the Bell Center, last night. At center ice, Gallagher launched his right elbow into Pelech’s head well after he had gotten rid of the puck. An unsuspecting Pelech went flying and stayed on the ice holding his head for several seconds after. He did not return to the game after the hit.

The play was received though it was clear that Gallagher would be ejected. The officials tossed him from the remainder of the game, giving the Islanders a five-minute power play trailing 3-1. New York scored on the man advantage, however, they went on to loss 4-3 as Habs’ Sean Monahan recorded the winner, which was his second tally of the contest. The Canadiens got away with the 4-3 win, but are now likely to lose Gallagher for some time.

Before getting sent off for his illegal hit, Gallagher had played 12 minutes and 45 seconds and registered two shots on goal. He has eight goals and eight assists in 47 games so far this season.

The Canadiens are back in action on Saturday when they visit the Penguins in Pittsburgh and chances are quite high it will be without Gallagher.

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