Marc Dumont
Even though the Montreal Canadiens are trailing the Carolina Hurricanes 2-1 in the Eastern Conference Final, they’re still in a very encouraging situation, all things considered.
As head coach Martin St-Louis mentioned, they’re not dead yet.
Improving The Montreal Canadiens
However, there are some things that are quite clear when evaluating the series versus the Hurricanes.
The first is that the Canadiens are simply not taking enough shots on net. Just four forwards are shooting more often, while the rest have generally suffered a considerable downtick.
Given that veteran Brendan Gallagher finished second among all Canadiens forwards in shots per 60 during the regular season (7.8), adding him to the lineup could go a long way in helping the team improve upon its greatest roadblock.
It’s also worth noting that despite a very limited sample size, Gallagher leads all Canadiens forwards in shot share (CF%) during the playoffs (5v5).
He’s also one of the few forwards with a bevy of experience, which could serve as a considerable boon for the youngest lineup in the league.
We’ve already seen what Phillip Danault’s veteran presence has offered the Canadiens so far. With 9 points at 5v5, Danault is tied with Newhook for the team lead in production.
Realistically speaking, we shouldn’t expect Gallagher to immediately start scoring if he’s re-introduced to the lineup, but it’s worth remembering that his first game back featured a goal from the hard-working veteran on his very first shift.
If the Habs need an energy boost, and they clearly do, look no further than Gallagher as the best option.
Welcome back to the lineup, Brendan Gallagher!#GoHabsGo are up 1-0 thanks to a goal via their hardworking veteran. pic.twitter.com/KxnD1PhdtH
— Montreal Hockey Now (@MTLhockeynow) April 29, 2026
Defensively Speaking
You may have noticed Arber Xhekaj’s name on the shot share (CF%) list. He trails only Gallagher in that respect, meaning the Habs are playing hockey without two of their best possession players, statistically speaking.
Now, we must guard against suggesting they’d be a dominant presence due to their solid underlying numbers, but in a battle of attrition, every bit helps.
Xhekaj isn’t just a physical player, though he’d certainly offer more support in that department. The Hurricanes have outhit the Habs to the tune of 83-47, and there are no better options to mitigate the discrepancy than Xhekaj, the player who led the team in hits during the regular season (175).
He’s proven he can play solid hockey on the third pairing, as long as there’s some semblance of consistency.
When paired with Jayden Struble in the playoffs, he’s controlled almost 70% of the shots, 63% of the expected goals, and has outscored his opponents 4-0.
Finding a roster spot for Xhekaj would entail removing a defenceman from the lineup, the biggest sticking point on the blue line.
Statistically speaking, Alexandre Carrier could use a break, as he’s being outplayed, outshot, and outchanced on a nightly basis, but we also have to consider he’s facing an elevated quality of competition, one that’s probably above his station.
Regardless, if the Canadiens could find a way to add Xhekaj to the lineup, they wouldn’t only be adding more muscle to the equation, they’d be improving their odds of controlling the pace of the game, a situation that is yet to take place versus the Hurricanes.
All Montreal Canadiens statistics are 5v5 unless otherwise noted, via Natural Stat Trick.
