It’s a huge boost to the Habs’ fortunes to start the season -- the club announced has that Max Pacioretty is ready to play and will do so Thursday night at the Bell Centre against the Ottawa Senators.
Pacioretty will get two games in during the pre-season which is only one fewer than he usually gets. The season opener is a week away.
The team announced in July that Pacioretty had sustained a knee injury during an off-ice workout.
“It definitely wasn't quick. It’s been 12 weeks tomorrow. It’s been a long time. It’s been a lot of work. That’s what we’re paid to do, to be professional, and I think I’ve done a good job to this point but it’s something I’m going to have to maintain for quite a while,” Pacioretty said.
Head coach Michel Therrien said Pacioretty worked hard to make his comeback.
“I was really impressed about time that he put and effort to come back in the lineup and we’re glad he's going to be there,” he said.
Pacioretty will play with a brace, which he says he is getting used to, and will likely wear it for a while.
The newly-appointed captain was walking with a noticeable limp at the Habs’ annual golf tournament, and says he still has that limp but it doesn’t affect him on the ice.
“Skating is easier than walking because you’re gliding. I feel much better on ice than i do on dry land and I think that’s to be expected, based on what the doctors told me. So I feel good and I’ve made progress,”
With Pacioretty ready to go, the club will have an intact first line rounded out by Tomas Plekanec and Brendan Gallagher.
“You knew with Patches’ past and how quickly he recovers from whatever injury he has that we should not be surprised. He’s been at the rink every day, first guy here last guy to leave, working hard to get back. I’m excited to get back on the ice with him,” Gallagher said.
Puck drop Thursday night is at 7:30 p.m. Montreal's first game of the regular season is on Oct. 7 in Toronto against the rival Maple Leafs.
