Three Canadiens players are removed out of the lineup in Buffalo, and one name is a real surprise

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Skyler Walker
May 8, 2026  (2:31 PM)

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Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

Brendan Gallagher stays out, and Martin St-Louis isn't changing course for Game 2 against the Buffalo Sabres.

That's the headline coming out of Montreal's morning skate, and it says plenty about how the Canadiens see this series right now.

Gallagher will remain in the stands for the second straight game in this second-round matchup.

For a veteran with his playoff history, that's a loud decision.

It's even more surprising because Montreal is coming off a loss in Game 1 at KeyBank Center.

Coaches often react after a setback, especially in a series that already feels tight.

St-Louis isn't doing that here.

He's keeping the same group on the ice and betting that one loss isn't enough to force a lineup shuffle.

That tells you the Canadiens still believe their current mix gives them the best chance to answer back tonight.

Gallagher wasn't the only player left out. Patrik Laine, Jayden Struble and Oliver Kapanen also remained outside the lineup for Game 2.

So the message is clear.

St-Louis is choosing lineup stability over emotion, and he's refusing to make panic changes after Wednesday's result.

That's a tough read for Gallagher because he did give Montreal a spark when he returned in Game 5 against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

He scored in that game and looked ready to push for more.

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But the usage never followed.

Gallagher played 6:21 in Game 5, then only 5:39 in Game 6, and those numbers told the story before this decision became official.

That kind of ice time usually means a player is on the edge of the rotation, not locked into a full-time role. For a 33-year-old winger, that's a hard place to sit in the middle of the playoffs.

Still, this isn't about Gallagher alone.

It's about a coach making a call and standing by it even after his team got burned in the opener.

That's where the pressure shifts now.

If the Canadiens lose again with the same group, the questions around Gallagher's absence will only get louder.

And if they win, St-Louis will have his answer.

The coach will be able to say he trusted his bench, trusted his read, and got the response he wanted.

Game 2 is set for 7:00 PM in Buffalo, and Gallagher will be watching again.

Previously

Toronto's worst fear about Auston Matthews may now be unfolding

Oilers pushing toward blockbuster move for superstar goalie

Major concern emerges for Canadiens before Game 2

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1 HOUR AGO   |   100 ANSWERS Three Canadiens players are removed out of the lineup in Buffalo, and one name is a real surprise Did Martin St-Louis make the right call by sitting Brendan Gallagher again ?

▢    Yes

▢    No

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