‘I feel bad for him’: Canadiens face key lineup decision as Brendan Gallagher struggles continue
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You can feel that the wind is shifting for Brendan Gallagher with the Montreal Canadiens.
With only 6 goals in 62 games this season, Gally’s contribution is becoming harder to justify on the offensive lines. His ice time dropping below the 13-minute mark shows that Martin St-Louis is searching for solutions elsewhere.
Meanwhile, Joe Veleno is waiting for his turn in the stands at the Bell Centre. The Quebec native has the speed and transition ability needed to energize a fourth line that sometimes lacks execution.
Veleno has been left out of the lineup for the team’s last three matchups. Yet his $900,000 contract and skating profile fit perfectly with the identity Kent Hughes wants to build in Montreal.
“He put number 11 in the lineup Saturday night. It was painful…I think this is starting to become a problem for the organization, because now you have healthy players just waiting to play.
It’s been a long time since Veleno has played. Texier, same thing. Right now, there aren’t fifty solutions when it comes to juggling your lineup. Brendan Gallagher, nothing is happening offensively. I’m telling you, Saturday night… it was tough. I almost feel bad for him.”
– Gilbert Delorme
A necessary lineup change for the Canadiens?
We have to ask whether Veleno’s energy might be more useful right now than Gallagher’s positional play. Advanced statistics show a noticeable decline in performance for number 11.
Gallagher regularly finishes his nights with a negative plus-minus, which complicates things for the defensemen. Inserting a young player like Veleno would allow the team to test its lineup depth before the end of the schedule.
The Canadiens recently hold a 34-18-10 record, proving the group can compete. Adding speed at center or on the wing could stabilize zone exits and controlled entries.
Management will have to make a quick decision regarding the use of its roster. Keeping a young player active is often more productive than relying solely on experience when the results are not there.
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‘I feel bad for him’: Canadiens face key lineup decision as Brendan Gallagher struggles continue
Should the Canadiens insert Joe Veleno into the lineup instead of Brendan Gallagher?