Thursday night’s clash between the Montreal Canadiens and the Dallas Stars was supposed to be just another battle on the long road of the NHL season—a test of grit, determination, and teamwork. The opening minutes unfolded with the usual intensity, as both teams fought for every inch of ice, and fans settled in for what they hoped would be a competitive contest. But as the game wore on, a sudden and unexpected turn of events cast a shadow over the entire evening, leaving players, coaches, and supporters stunned and searching for answers.

It wasn’t the final score that haunted the Canadiens locker room, nor was it the frustration of another tough night for Martin St-Louis and his group. Instead, the real story was written in a single, chilling moment—a moment that seemed to freeze time and send a wave of concern rippling through the arena. Alex Newhook, one of Montreal’s most dynamic and consistent performers since October, found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time. As he battled along the boards, a heavy fall sent him crashing to the ice, his leg bending in a way that made everyone watching hold their breath. In an instant, the energy shifted from the usual excitement of NHL action to a palpable sense of worry and disbelief.

For Brendan Gallagher, a veteran leader and emotional heartbeat of the Canadiens, the impact of Newhook’s injury was immediate and deeply felt. Gallagher’s reaction in the aftermath was raw and honest, as he spoke openly about the pain of seeing a teammate—especially one who had worked so hard in the offseason and was enjoying a breakout year—sidelined in such a devastating fashion. Gallagher’s words weren’t just a reflection of his own feelings; they echoed throughout the locker room, resonating with every player who had come to rely on Newhook’s speed, skill, and relentless drive.

Yet, while Gallagher was willing to share his emotions, head coach Martin St-Louis chose a more guarded approach, offering little comment on the situation and leaving fans hungry for more information. The silence only fueled speculation and anxiety, with everyone desperate to know the true extent of Newhook’s injury and how long he might be out of action. As the hours passed, the Canadiens organization issued its first official update, but many questions remained unanswered, and the sense of uncertainty continued to grow.

What makes this story even more compelling is the undeniable value Newhook has brought to the team since the start of the season. His versatility, consistency, and ability to elevate the play of those around him have made him a cornerstone of the Canadiens’ lineup—a player whose absence will be felt in every shift, every game, and every result moving forward. The emotional toll on the team is impossible to ignore, and as Gallagher hinted, the road to recovery may be longer than anyone hopes.

With so much at stake and so many unknowns, the Canadiens and their fans now find themselves united in a single hope: that Alex Newhook will defy the odds and make a miraculous return. For those eager to know what comes next—and what this injury truly means for Montreal’s season—the full story is just beginning to unfold.

Brendan Gallagher and Alex Newhook

Photo credit: All Habs / NHL

Thursday night’s game between the Montreal Canadiens and the Dallas Stars started like many others, but the evening quickly took a heavy turn.

And we all felt something was wrong when Alex Newhook went down against the boards…

Another very, very tough night for Martin St-Louis’ group.

But despite everything, the final score wasn’t even the worst thing that happened last night.

In fact, just as the Habs were simply trying to keep up with the Stars, everything started to go wrong.

That moment – in my opinion the hardest one – was when Alex Newhook fell heavily into the boards. His leg bent in a way that scared everyone.

According to the report from Priyanta Emrith, Brendan Gallagher didn’t hide his emotion and hinted that Newhook will be out for a while…

He explained how difficult it was to see a teammate go through that.

Brendan Gallagher says it was tough to see Alex Newhook get injured:

“We’re going to be without Newy for a little bit here; a player that worked hard in the offseason…was having an unbelievable year and you just feel for him at this point.”

– Gallagher via Priyanta Emrith

However, Martin St-Louis didn’t want to comment much on the situation…

Gallagher, Alex Newhook and the Montreal Canadiens’ reaction after this heavy loss

I’m certain those words echoed in the locker room, because Newhook was one of the most consistent players since the start of the season.

He played on multiple units, and I feel he brought pace every time he stepped on the ice.

It’s simple: Newhook was one of the Habs’ most valuable players since October.

When a piece like that goes down, everyone feels the impact.

I think Gallagher said out loud what several players were quietly thinking.

The game was humiliating, but the real story of the night is the concern surrounding Newhook.

And honestly, I think everyone is hoping for a miracle for him.