Canadiens’ Captaincy: The Case For Brendan Gallagher

In the poll results from a recent article on the Montreal Canadiens‘ captaincy, 16% of readers felt Brendan Gallagher should wear the “C”. Adding to that sentiment today, former Habs great Guy Lafleur stated that he believes the same.

Lafleur is no stranger to offering his opinion on the team’s progress and goings-on. Last season, when Max Pacioretty seemed to be struggling in post-season, he stated:

Guys like [Thomas] Vanek and Pacioretty, you don’t keep these guys on your team. They should stay home if they’re not ready to pay the price. Your team will never win with players like this who fade when confronted by adversity.

Ouch. I didn’t agree with him then, and I don’t agree with him now. Not completely.

He lists all the right reasons for his statement about Gallagher’s qualities: heart, work ethic, talent, and stamina. He mentions how Gallagher is always at the net, always taking hits and coming back for more. All that is true.

With a 47-point season (24 goals, 23 assists), Gallagher is a heart-on-the-ice guy. He never quits. It’s because of his never-say-die, take-every-shot (even the seemingly impossible ones) attitude that he gets the goals (even those seemingly impossible ones).

One goal that stands out for me is a goal against the Detroit Red Wings in November. Gallagher was being mauled from all sides (as is usually the case), and ended up on his knees, to the side of Jimmy Howard‘s net.

Never giving up, he grabbed the puck on his stick, took a shot – from his knees, I might add. He banked it off Howard’s glove and it careened into the net.

It was one of the most incredible goals I’ve seen in my years as a fan, and earned Gallagher all kinds of kudos. Rightfully so.

Have a look:

No one is disputing Gallagher’s talent, his dedication and his performance each and every night. He’s always found in front of the net. He is the kind of player who has been the target of many a frustrated opponent.

Not the biggest guy on the team, the 5’9″ Gallagher buzzes around his opponents, around the net, and even in the neutral zone, fighting hard to keep puck possession on his side.

He goes up against anyone. He’s not afraid of players who are bigger, tougher, or veterans. He’ll get in their faces, and make them realize he’s not only not going anywhere, he is going to beat them at their own game, and do everything he can to hit the back of their net with that puck.

And he does it all with a smirk.

Apr 26, 2015; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators left wing(16) and Montreal Canadiens right wing(11) exchange words and a handshake following game six of the first round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Canadian Tire Centre. The Canadiens won 1-0 and take the series 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

But this isn’t the year to give Brendan Gallagher the “C”.

First, there are already 4 alternates who were named a year ago, and they not only showed their capabilities in their roles, they continued to improve their performances all season. It would be wrong to bypass any one of them.

Second, Gallagher has a little growing up to do. He’s an incredible player, but he needs one more year of calming before being named in the leadership role. His “antics” (more often than not the word used by broadcasters) have had him noticed by referees.

And it’s been posited that due to his unique style, he gets penalties but does not draw them. He can get pretty badly mauled, repeatedly, before a penalty is so blatant, the refs have no choice but to finally call one.

He needs to mature just a bit. Not tone down his game – his style is his identity and his success – but do so with more control. A captain has to be able to discuss the rules of the calls made during the course of a game, and I don’t believe the referees see him in that role yet.

Officials need to see a calmer Gallagher, and I believe they will give him the credibility needed should he wear the “C” one day; I believe he will.

For now, however, it seems likely that the team will promote one of the alternates to that role.

I would not, however, be surprised to see Gallagher wear the “A” at some point this season; it’s unlikely to be a permanent letter (which would mean taking it from one of the already-named alternates); but he could be given the “A” should one of the alternates not be able to play.

I know there are many who would like to see him become Captain of this team; have patience. It will happen. Just not yet.

(It’s not just the crazy goals – he gets crazy assists too. Watch this pass to Max Pacioretty as Gallagher falls to the ice.)