Montreal Canadiens ahead Brendan Gallagher has been suspended 5 video games for an unlawful hit to the top of New York Islanders defenseman Adam Pelech. Gallagher used his elbow to test Pelech in a nasty open-ice hit throughout Thursday evening’s recreation, received 4-3 by the Canadiens.

Within the third interval, Pelech was carrying the puck by the impartial zone when Gallagher got here throughout the center of the ice and elbowed Pelech. The hit knocked Pelech off his toes, and he didn’t return to the sport after being taken to the locker room.

Gallagher acquired a match penalty, and the Islanders scored a pair of objectives on the following five-minute energy play.

On Friday, Gallagher had a listening to with the NHL Division of Participant Security, and the league selected to droop him for 5 video games. The Division of Participant Security defined its resolution in a video launched Friday night, noting that Gallagher’s hit was a textbook unlawful test to the top.

“You will need to notice that each components of the unlawful test to the top rule are glad on this play,” the DoPS defined. “First, the top is the primary level of contact as Gallagher’s elbow makes direct and forceful contact with Pelech’s head, and it’s the head that absorbs the overwhelming majority of the power of the test.

“Second, the top contact on this test is avoidable. Gallagher chooses an angle of strategy that cuts throughout the entrance of Pelech’s physique. Recognizing he could also be about to overlook his test, and in an try to get a chunk of Pelech, Gallagher then flares his elbow and extends his elbow upward, hitting his head with vital power.”

Gallagher, who has eight objectives and eight assists on the season, will be unable to return till the Canadiens’ recreation in opposition to the New York Rangers on Thursday, Feb. 15.