Injured Habs’ sniper Max Pacioretty took part in practice in Brossard Monday but remains unknown whether he'll be ready at puck-drop Wednesday as the Canadiens embark on their first-round series against the Senators.
“I’m following the plan. We’ve had a plan since day one and right now we’re right on schedule. You don’t know how it’s going to react tomorrow. I haven’t tested it completely. I haven't gotten hit but I feel good and confident,” said Pacioretty.
One teammate expressed exuberance at the chance of getting Pacioretty back.
“He’s a huge part of our team,” said forward Dale Weise. “We can’t fill that hole without him there. We don’t score a lot of goals as it is and without our best goal scorer that would have been a handful. It’s great to see him out there.”.
Pacioretty was wearing a tinted visor, which suggests that he might be coping with the symptoms of a concussion, which makes one averse to light.
Pacioretty, who netted a team-leading 37 goals this season, was sidelined on April 5 after being pushed into the boards by Dmitry Kulikov of the Florida Panthers.
Every Canadiens’ player took part in the morning practice, including little-used Manny Malhotra and Mike Weaver.
