Justice was relative for the Islanders Thursday night after Adam Pelech erred with an illegal elbow to the head of Brendan Gallagher.
NHL Player Safety announced Friday after a telephone hearing that Gallagher would be suspended for five games for the hit, resulting in five suspensions in the Canadiens' eventual 4-3 win over the Islanders. He was given a minute major and was sent off.
This was the maximum fine that could be imposed outside of an in-person hearing.
The veteran forward released his foot to give Pelech an open-ice hit and appeared to stick his elbow out to catch the defenseman's head.
Perek, who had suffered previous head injuries, collapsed on the spot.
A few minutes later, he was helped off the Bell Center ice by a trainer.
“I didn't see it. Of course, it would have been pretty bad if they gave him five points,” Bo Horvat said after the game. “I hope Perry is OK. I haven't heard how he's doing or anything. We need him in the lineup, so I hope he's back for the next game.”
Pelech has already missed 23 games this season, most likely due to a wrist injury.
Thursday was his ninth game back in action.
Last season, he missed 21 games with what appeared to be a concussion after being hit by Robert Bortuzzo into the end boards.
Canadiens manager Martin St. Louis calmly defended Gallagher after the game.
“I’m sure the league will consider it.” [the hit]. But I understand Garry,'' St. Louis said in French, the Journal de Montreal reported. “He's been trying to slow down opponents since he's been on the ice. It's happening quickly.”
The Islanders did not practice Friday, so there was no update on Pelech's status.
But if he ends up missing more minutes, Scott Mayfield, Sebastian Aho, Ryan Pulock and Robert Bortuzzo have all dealt with a series of injuries this season, all at points this season. It will be a blow to the defense, who are missing opportunities. One year in addition to Perek.
Purok and Bortuzzo are on long-term injured reserve and injured reserve, respectively, with lower-body injuries. Neither of them have started skating yet.
Mike Riley, who was injured Thursday, will likely return to the lineup if Peleku is absent Saturday against the Panthers.
Noah Dobson reached 45 assists Thursday night, becoming the first player to do so in a team's first 48 games since Brian Trottier in 1983-84, according to team statistician Eric Hornig. He became an Islander player and the fastest defenseman in team history.
