Brendan Gallagher was ejected from the Canadiens game Thursday night for throwing a vicious elbow at his opponent’s head, sparking outrage among fans who are now calling for a suspension.
Key Takeaway
Brendan Gallagher’s ejection from the game and the subsequent demand for suspension by fans and former teammates highlight the severity of the incident and the need for accountability in professional sports.
The Incident
The incident occurred during the Canadiens’ game against the Islanders at the Centre Bell Arena in Montreal. Gallagher attempted to halt Adam Pelech’s progress into the neutral zone. As Pelech crossed the blue line, Gallagher delivered a forceful elbow to his face, causing the defenseman to crash to the ice.
Pelech remained on the ice for a while before being able to skate to his team’s locker room. He did not return to the game. Meanwhile, Gallagher was ejected for the illegal check.
Outcry from Fans and Former Teammate
Following the controversial play, fans took to social media to express their anger and demand a significant suspension for Gallagher. Even his former teammate, P.K. Subban, voiced his disapproval, stating that such hits have no place in the game.
“I don’t know how else I’m supposed to call that,” Subban said about the collision, “but to me, those are the hits that we just can’t have. That’s just inexcusable. There’s no upside.”
Past Incidents
This is not the first time Gallagher has been involved in such incidents. In November 2021, he was fined $2,500 for punching Barclay Goodrow. Gallagher is scheduled for a hearing on Friday to determine the consequences of his actions in the recent game.
