I just can't take the DOPS seriously.  Horrible, intentional hit.  

NEW YORK (Jan. 26, 2024) Montreal Canadiens forward Brendan Gallagher has been suspended for five games, without pay, for an illegal check to the head of New York Islanders defenseman Adam Pelech during NHL Game No. 748 in Montreal on Thursday, Jan. 25, the National Hockey Leagues Department of Player Safety announced today.

The incident occurred at 11:50 of the third period. Gallagher was assessed a match penalty.

Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and, based on his average annual salary, Gallagher will forfeit $169,270.85. The money goes to the Players Emergency Assistance Fund.

For a full explanation of the decision, complete with video, please click on the following link: https://www.nhl.com/video/topic/player-safety/gallagher-suspended-five-games-6345655846112.

The video also is available in French at the following link: https://www.nhl.com/fr/video/topic/player-safety/gallagher-suspendu-cinq-matchs-6345661555112.

I was watching on tv and was very upset over this.   What stinks about this is that Pelech has suffered a concussion last year and missed time this year over another injury.  Until Dobson surpassed him this year - he was consistently our best D-Man and stalwart on the PK and in front of the net.   If he misses a chunk of time - this team has been dealt a very harsh blow by this unnecessary hit.  And the 5 games he will miss - which hurts MTL - helps two divisional opponents who the Isles are competing with for a playoff spot and he misses no games vs. the Isles.   April 11 ON Long Island - Gally will be at UBS - hoping the Isles remember that.