Canadiens let actions do talking

six hits, finished at plus-3 and was 62% in the faceoff circle.

“We mix well together,” Eller said of his linemates, these three guys soon to collectively grow the worst playoff beards in the history of facial hair.

“Gallagher is a machine out there, going and going. He’s a little bulldog who creates so much havoc and space and does so many good things. Galchenyuk is getting better and better. He always makes solid plays and he’s going to keep getting better. I really enjoy playing with them.”

A highlight moment for Eller was his sidestepping a crushing hit along boards at centre ice, aimed by Leafs’ Nazem Kadri, then shovelling the puck ahead to Gallagher who beat Toronto goalie James

His confidence fragile, Eller met with Dr. Sylvain Guimond, the Canadiens’ sports psychology consultant, with profound results.

“Sylvain made the difference, no question,” he said, clearly emotional, the words catching in his throat as he considered a very personal journey that’s shaped both his game and his life.

“I said back then [as a scratch] that things can change so quickly. I’ve seen it in the past. You’ve just got to stick with it. I’ve had a lot of help from my linemates and had some good chemistry with the players I’ve played with and it’s worked. It’s been working out for everybody, so I’m happy.

“Confidence is the most important thing in sports. That changed my career, right there,” Eller added of his sessions with Guimond. “I knew there was something to be unlocked, that there was something holding me back somehow.

“I did some work with a guy back in Sweden [last] summer, but Sylvain really got through to me in another way that made a difference. It was like he flipped a switch. He made me believe in myself.

“You never stop learning, I’m always going to be taking advice and looking for help from older players, the coaches, from wherever I can get it.”

Eller still works with Guimond from time to time, “whenever I feel the need to talk about something.”

But clearly, the young forward’s game has developed a voice of its own. He hits the playoffs on a roll, having scored twice and assisted on four more in his past three games.

With Gallagher and Galchenyuk, Eller is flying — probably out of necessity.

“They’ve got so much energy, those two, especially Gallagher,” he said. “They’re making strong plays and at the same time they’re reliable. The best thing is they’re working their asses off for the guy next to them. It’s a lot of fun to play with them.”