Thursday 22 September 2022. 13:08
BROSSARD – By the end of the 2020-2021 calendar, Brendan Gallagher’s body had been torn apart. The last season was a real desert crossing for him and he wants to get closer to his previous standards.
“It’s not even close … The previous season was tough from the start. (This time) I had a great summer and it’s good to be able to get back to my usual routine. I feel good physically, I hope I can play all 82 games, “Gallagher said right from the start.
“It was the first time I saw him and he wasn’t limping. He walked normally and gave me a big hug. We can finally resume our little wrestling fights. Last year he was too battered for that, ”Chris Wideman described with a smile on his face.
If we recall his two consecutive seasons of over 30 goals (in 2017-2018 and 2018-2019), Gallagher has never come close to a year by aiming for a certain number of points and goals. At 30, it’s still the same thing that matters to him.
“I want to be a player the team can rely on and play consistently. In every game, I want to help help the team win, “he targeted Gallagher wanting to limit his bad games.
“I feel that Gallagher is physically fine. For a hockey player, he mentally helps you. He gives you the confidence to offer what you can on the ice. If you talk to Brendan, he’s disappointed with his season, but I’m not worried about him because of his career and the fact that he’s always fought. He will be ready to prove that he is still an excellent hockey player, “said coach Martin St-Louis.
In addition to playing in the Montreal market for 10 years, Gallagher is a huge fan of the Cincinnati Bengals. He knows very well that the criticisms come with his profession and that the fans have doubted him.
“It’s part of being a professional athlete. I’ve been dealing with this for a decade. They may be more numerous, but I wouldn’t say it motivates more. I’ve always played for the people who support me, the ones who are in my corner, “commented the number 11.
Nonetheless, the combative striker can finally face the season calmly, shedding the mental burden of his injuries.
“It’s nice. Last year I didn’t come with a negative mindset, but I knew I wasn’t at my best, I knew it was going to be tough. This time I feel a lot better and I know it will make a difference. It will allow me to be the player. of which I am capable, ”supported the right foot who scored 7 goals and 17 assists in 56 games in 2021-2022.
It certainly doesn’t mean Gallagher will change. He’ll never be the type to ask for a night off.
If I am injured, but I can face the pain and help the team, I want to play and I will live with the consequences the next day. This is the reality of an 82 match marathon. “
Gallagher will also have to exercise a leadership role. The Canadiens revealed Thursday morning that new captain Nick Suzuki (lower body) will be out for two weeks while Joel Edmundson (lower body) will be out indefinitely.
“I don’t know the nature of his (Edmundson’s) injury. But with what he’s been through it’s tough, he’s an important part of our team and the locker room, ”Gallagher said as the tall defender only played 24 games last season.
“Oh, I didn’t know (Suzuki would lose two weeks). It’s a good lesson to learn, in the sense that the kids will fall through the year, ”she added.
Slafkovsky already owes Gallagher a dinner
Gallagher’s style will never go well in lace. But the arrival of Martin St-Louis hinted that the outside might be able to change some aspects of his approach.
“If I’m not true to my identity as a player, I’ll be kicked out of the NHL very soon. But it’s possible to add to his repertoire. It’s not so much that Martin wants to change my style, but rather give me tips and tricks that will help me in my game.” , said the man who played 638 games on the Bettman circuit.
During the summer season, Gallagher could exercise according to St. Louis recommendations.
“It was mostly about individual skills. It wasn’t changing the way I throw, but adding throw types to my repertoire. I was also thinking about what he said at the end of the season, I could think about it and it’s more natural now, ”Gallagher testified.
In the next few days we will find out with which center St-Louis is evaluating the use of Gallagher at the beginning of the year. With five options in this position, Gallagher is not worried about his fate. He comes closer to retirement with the idea of regaining his momentum and building a team spirit.
“When the new leaders are in place, they have expectations. The message was mainly about our team culture, ”Gallagher explained of Wednesday’s team night.
As proof that the bond has already been created well with Juraj Slafkovsky, Gallagher went there with this remark.
“He’s huge! Physically he has the build of a 30-year-old man. It’s very pleasant to be around. He’ll fit very well and he already owes me dinner.”
Recall that the eight-game preseason schedule begins Monday at the Bell Center against the New Jersey Devils.
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