Brendan Gallagher Serves up Sneaky Revenge on Niko Mikkola During Last Night's Game

Montreal Canadiens' Brendan Gallagher made his point obliquely but emphatically, and one that no one missed.

In the game at the Bell Centre, Gallagher seemed to use the opportunity to get revenge against Florida Panthers defenseman Niko Mikkola, following Mikkola's reckless antics last Saturday.

For those who may have missed it, the end of their last game saw Mikkola unleash a slap shot perilously near David Savard's face, a play universally criticized as both unwarranted and reckless.

The Canadiens were seething, and while the NHL fined Mikkola $5,000, many did not think it was severe enough.

Not to worry, though, as the Habs' most passionate and fearsome player, Mr. Gallagher, chose to take matters into his own hands and serve up some payback.

Was it intentional? We'll let you be the judge, but judging from how visibly irritated Gallagher was after Mikkola's behavior this past weekend, it did not appear as though it was an accident.

Gallagher did not waste any time asserting himself against Mikkola, reminding him that those careless plays would not soon be forgotten.

Meanwhile, the Bell Centre fans expressed their displeasure, showering Mikkola with loud boos every time he made contact with the puck.

The $5,000 fine was a relatively mild one, but the true revenge was being meted out on ice courtesy of Gallagher and company.

One thing is for sure: one of these days, this rivalry is going to heat up. And before this drama is over, you can bet that these teams are going to go after each other again.