Montreal Canadiens forward Brendan Gallagher insists and signs: He's not a bastard player.

He repeated that on Wednesday as he prepares to return to action after a five-game suspension.

• Also read: CH: Jacob Fowler in the running for a prestigious trophy

• Also read: A similar development occurs between Slafkovsky and Hughes

National Hockey League (NHL) player security took action against him for elbowing New York Islanders defenseman Adam Pelech in the head on January 25.

“I have been doing this sport for a long time. “I’ve never been suspended before, not just in the NHL,” Gallagher said. I don't think something like this will happen again. I was actually surprised it happened.”

“We play a physical sport and I wanted to complete my exam. I didn’t do it right and use my time.”

A bad decision

The 31-year-old veteran gave his version of the event.

“At first I wanted to force him to change the trajectory and not hit him. At the last moment I made the decision to hit him. My attack angle wasn't good and I didn't hit it in the right place. It wasn't intentional. I was never that type of player.”

Gallagher cautiously did not criticize the security service's decision. However, he drew a comparison to Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy's four-game suspension earlier this season.

“I argued that I was trying to make a play and the guy had the puck. We both reached for an opponent's head. I suffered another match [que McAvoy]. This is like. I live with their decision but am very happy to be back.

Gallagher also said he wrote to Pelech and was happy he returned to the game.

The network in Montembeault

Gallagher will therefore return to action this Thursday against the New York Rangers. The Canadian confirmed that Samuel Montembeault will be in net for this clash at Madison Square Garden.

This will be the Quebecers' 26th game of 2023-2024. He maintained a record of 12-8-4, a save percentage of .908 and a goals-against average of 3.06.

Additionally, forwards Nick Suzuki and Josh Anderson missed Wednesday's practice to benefit from a day of treatment. The two skaters should be in the Habs' lineup for the game against the Blueshirts.