'0 goals in 17 games': Why Brendan Gallagher's slump has become a key question in Montreal

And now this long stretch without a goal for the veteran forward is starting to raise important questions while creating a certain discomfort around the team.

The two heavy losses suffered by the Montreal Canadiens this week have already put St. Louis and the team on high alert.

The announcements regarding the long-term absences of Kaiden Guhle and Alex Newhook added another layer of concern.

In this context, every player needs to give more to stabilize the situation, especially the veterans.

That's where the name Brendan Gallagher keeps coming up.

The 33-year-old forward hasn't scored in 17 games this season...

He's contributed a few assists, but the goal still isn't there.

And fans are starting to wonder if that long-awaited first goal will come soon.

To be honest, I understand why many are worried.

According to Michaël Petit's article published on DansLesCoulisses, even Gallagher's pace of play seems to have slowed since the start of the year.

Yesterday morning, while an official practice was scheduled for 11:30 a.m., Gallagher and Jake Evans arrived an hour earlier.

They were already on the ice at 10:00 a.m.

Gallagher was working around the net, repeating the same sequences over and over.

You could see he was trying to rediscover something he once mastered so well.

It struck me personally, because I find it touching to see a player who refuses to give up even when things go wrong.

Say what you will, but effort has never been an issue for him.

Even if his body doesn't always follow, Gallagher remains the type of player who pushes himself to the limit.

And in such a difficult period for the Habs, that kind of attitude matters enormously.

For tonight's game against the Bruins, Gallagher will skate alongside Joe Veleno and new call-up Jared Davidson.