NHL Montreal Canadiens

Montreal Canadiens Have Successful Home Opener Thanks To Unsung Heroes

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By @LissaRantSports

Canadiens Brendan Gallagher celebrates a goal against Boston

Eric Bolte USA TODAY Sports

The Montreal Canadiens won their home opener with a resounding 6-4 victory over the Boston Bruins. The game carried a lot more than two points;  with every time these particular teams meet, it is always about the rivalry, the physicality and the history. There are many factors that contributed to this win. Here’s who stood out and what the team has moving forward.

Brendan Gallagher showed why he was an instant star upon first making his debut with the Habs in 2012. A fan favorite, he has quickly made a name for himself among analysts, announcers and sports personalities everywhere. In this game alone, Gallagher scored two goals as well as an assist, but it was his tenacity that stood out.

Gallagher was signed with the Habs in the truncated 2012-13 season, which started in January 2013 due to the NHL lockout. Along with Alex Galchenyuk, he made his debut after having played on the Hamilton Bulldogs before the lockout ended that very same year. It was clear he was going to be an asset. Just how valuable he would prove to be has continued to increase by the game.

Gallagher is not the biggest player on the ice. He may be 5-foot-9, but he plays big. Gallagher is not afraid to get right in the middle of the action. He can be found along the boards, crowding the net, blocking shots or going up against the biggest players on the ice (more than once, he has taken on Boston’s Zdeno Chara, who stands a full foot taller).

Gallagher made such an impact in the game against Boston that the play-by-play announcer stated, no fewer than three times, “Brendan Gallagher’s fingerprints are all over this game.” Gallagher was everywhere. Even when he isn’t scoring goals, he is a playmaker. He uses his size to buzz the opponent, tenacious and skilled, and never seems to be without a smile on his face. It is clear that Gallagher is having the time of his life.

This will only get better as his play continues to improve. Gallagher fits on any line — his linemates have been Galchenyuk, Max Pacioretty, David Desharnais and Tomas Plekanec — and takes on the role he is expected to play. As long as Gallagher continues to play the way he has — and he is utterly consistent –  he will add to the success of the Canadiens, a team constantly discussed in regards to player size. Gallagher proves that size isn’t as important as skill. I believe we will begin to see Gallagher in more of a leadership role as well. Right now he’s still “the kid”, but with his take-charge playing style, he can rise to the top and someday wear a letter on his jersey.

Another player who was outstanding was defenseman Alexei Emelin. Emelin returned from an injury sustained in Game 2 of the season, and his presence made the difference. Emelin is stellar on defense, blocking shots and taking hits, as well as delivering hard checks to opponents. Emelin sustained a knee injury in May of 2013, and despite the fact that players with this kind of injury don’t return to full force for a year, he has defied those odds and is only getting stronger.

Emelin, too, is fearless. His nickname among Habs fans is “Boom” and his hits are celebrated. He takes on anyone in his way, and despite the fact that the role of enforcer is less prominent these days, Emelin will use his full 6-foot-2 stature to stop an opponent in his tracks.

Going forward, I believe Emelin will continue to be a huge contributor to the success of the Canadiens. Paired either with Andre Markov or P.K. Subban, he fulfills his role and instills confidence in his teammates — not to mention the fans.

Aside from these two standout players, the home opener boasted a full-on team effort, non-stop action, a 25-shot game and finally, a successful power play. They easily filled the gaps that had been missing in their blowout loss against the Tampa Bay Lightning last week. These are the ingredients for success, and as long as the Habs continue to rely on this kind of formula, the season ahead looks like it is taking shape nicely.

Lissa Albert is a Montreal Canadiens writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow her on Twitter @LissaRantSports. “Like” her on Facebook and/or add her to your network on Google. 

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