MONTREAL – Brendan Gallagher’s smile on New Year’s Day told you everything you needed to know about what playing in the Winter Classic meant to him.
Getting there, though, wasn’t easy. After suffering two fractured fingers in his left hand back on Nov. 22 against the New York Islanders – and undergoing surgery the following day – it didn’t look like the Canadiens’ No. 11 would be ready in time to hit the ice at Gillette Stadium. Fortunately, things worked out for the best. Not only did Gallagher return to active duty in Foxborough, but he also contributed to the Habs’ cause in a big way in their 5-1 win over the Boston Bruins by scoring a goal and adding an assist.