On the ice, Canadiens forward Brendan Gallagher looks as comfortable as ever - helping Montreal to a 2-1 come from behind victory with the shootout winner on Thursday night in Washington.
Montreal is 2-0-0 following road victories on back-to-back nights to open the season.
However off the ice, the agitating forward is adjusting to life on his own in Montreal.
For the first two seasons of his NHL career, Gallagher was living with teammate Josh Gorges, who helped the 22-year-old adjust to life as a professional hockey player. However, Gorges was dealt to the Buffalo Sabres this summer opening the door for Gallagher to get his own place.
“It’s been good. Little bit of a change and something you’ve got to get used to, but so far, it’s been good,” he said.
The biggest adjustment?
“Definitely the cooking. Preparing meals and doing it everyday. Making sure the fridge is full.”
His teammates have let no opportunity to give the third-year NHLer a hard time about his new living situation pass. According to Habs forward Lars Eller, the ribbing is a daily occurrence.
“It’s a different challenge for him now, he doesn’t have his daddy Gorges around,” Eller joked. “I’m excited to see how he’s going to do this year on his own. It’s going to be a bigger challenge for him than anything he’s ever faced before.”
In order to acclimate himself to the idea of living on his own, Gallagher got his own place in Vancouver this summer when he went home. Despite his parents living nearby, it gave Gallagher the opportunity to get a sense of what the day-to-day would be like.
“It definitely did help a little bit, the first summer living on my own,” Gallagher said. “I probably went home a little bit too much for meals, but I got used to it and learned a little more.”
Living over 3,000 miles away now, Gallagher says he’s learning to not rely on his parents.
“At the start of the summer, my mom was pretty big in making sure I was eating the right stuff,” said Gallagher.
Gallagher not only found a place on his own, but managed to furnish it as well.
His parents have yet to visit his new pad in Montreal. Gallagher says he’ll wait for an extended home stand before inviting the parents.
Eller has some tips for Gallagher in the meantime.
“I’ve seen his place when he lived with Gorges. I’d hate to see how it looks at his apartment now,” he said. “I hope he’s hired a cleaning lady.”
With the Canadiens in the midst of a four-game, six-day, road trip to start the season, at least cooking isn’t an issue for Gallagher.