Canadiens: Gallagher Didn't Find The Fountain Of Youth

The Montreal Canadiens are currently stuck in the midst of a five-game losing streak, but there are still some bright spots to talk about. Rookie Lane Hutson has shown why the decision to gamble on him even with his short frame was a good decision, Jake Evans has showed a much-improved offensive upside and Cole Caufield is flirting with the league lead in goals.

There's another player who deserves a lot of praise though and it's veteran alternate captain Brendan Gallagher. In 14 games, the veteran right winger has seven points including six goals, if he kept up that pace he would be on track for 35 on the season, it's unlikely to happen, but it's great to see him perform so well no matter how long it lasts for.

I've seen numerous comments about Gallagher finding the form of his youth online or people saying that the old Gallagher is back, but that's not what this is. This is a new and improved Gallagher one that has aged very well, a bit like a fine wine that gets better with age.

Related: Canadiens' Gallagher Ties Former Captain and Former Defenseman

The diminutive right winger has gone through a few rough years though. There were injuries, a downward trend in productivity and calls to buy him out. Fans believed he was done, and in a sense they were right. The young Gallagher who used to crash the net at all times head first without first assessing the situation is gone, and that's just fine.

The veteran has played a rugged and punishing style not just for his opponents, but for his own body. Since Martin St-Louis took over, he has worked with him to help him realize that he could adapt his game and become more efficient.

Earlier this week, the coach called him a warrior, a combative player who works hard when he was asked to explain his longevity. Then, when he was asked what made him so dangerous, he just repeated the same thing before adding:

He's smart, he got into the team concepts as well, I'm happy for him.

And that's how Gallagher became a newer, better version of himself, by welcoming St-Louis' teachings and learning to read the play. He understands both the game and his own limitations better. He has made adjustments which allow him to deploy the energy he has in a more efficient manner. His cardio didn't get better all of a sudden, he's just realized how to dose his effort appropriately.

Related: Canadiens: What to Expect From Brendan Gallagher

This new and improved version of the right winger reminds me of Andrei Markov. When the veteran blueliner suffered knee injuries and had to undergo reconstructive surgeries, he lost some speed and mobility, but he made up for it with hockey smarts which allowed him not to miss a step and remain efficient until the last year of his career.

He still had some good hockey to give when he locked horns with Marc Bergevin over a contractual dispute and went back to Russia with 990 NHL games on his resume. That's a story for another day, but he should have been able to reach his 1000 games and get his silver stick.

Much like St-Louis himself, fans are happy for Gallagher who's back to bringing leadership and offensive production to the table. If you are part of the crowd who would like to see him get a chance to shine on the first line, you may be forgetting his age. Right now, Gallagher is sitting in his proverbial right chair and that shouldn't be messed with.

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