The NHL’s Department of Player Safety announced on Friday that Montreal Canadiens forward Brendan Gallagher has been handed a five-game suspension for a dangerous hit on Islanders defenseman Adam Pelech.
The decision was reached following an over-the-phone hearing between Gallagher and the Department of Player Safety, a format that carries a maximum penalty of five games.
The incident occurred at 11:52 of the third period during Thursday’s game when Gallagher delivered a vicious elbow to Pelech’s head despite Pelech having already released the puck in the neutral zone.
As a result of the hit, Pelech fell to the ice and required attention from the Islanders’ training staff. Unfortunately, he was unable to continue playing and did not return to the game. Gallagher was penalized with a five-minute major and a game misconduct for his actions.
After the game on Thursday, head coach Patrick Roy did not provide an update on Pelech’s condition. It is noteworthy that Pelech had missed 21 games last season due to a concussion.
This incident marks the first suspension in Brendan Gallagher’s 12-year career.
