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

Jan 26, 2024 | 3:58 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.