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Brendan Gallagher is off to a great start to the 2017-18 season. He has seven goals in only 16 games and is on pace for a 35-goal campaign after a 2016-17 season that saw him score only 10 goals in 64 games.

Although when we take a look at his numbers from last season, the resurgence in his production shouldn’t come as a major surprise. In 2016-17, Gallagher led all players in shots per 60 minutes of ice time, and was second on the team in high-danger shot attempts per 60 minutes (see graph).

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He didn’t suddenly start playing better this season, although he’s definitely enjoying an uptick in production. Part of the difference can be explained by his five-vs.-five shooting percentage, which was a paltry 5.5 per cent last season, and is hovering around 10 per cent this year. By all logic, he should have scored more last season, because his numbers have always been good. The Canadiens have consistently enjoyed a shot, and scoring-chance, advantage while Gallagher has been on the ice, even during his poor 2016-17 campaign.