Habs fans have some more good news to ponder following their 6-1 triumph over Buffalo Saturday: Max Pacioretty is once again living up to his reputation as a fast-healer.
The young Habs’ sniper is reportedly ready to return for Sunday’s game against Ottawa, just one week after he underwent an emergency appendectomy.
It was originally announced that Pacioretty could miss up to four weeks.
Coach Michel Therrien did not deny reports of Pacioretty’s possible return when interviewed in the corridors of the Bell Centre shortly after his troops trounced the Buffalo Sabres 6-1.
“There is a chance for tomorrow; we’ll make that the decision Sunday morning,” said Therrien.
Pacioretty has earned a reputation for having an aversion to missing action after playing with a serious rib injury and making what seemed like a miraculous comeback after suffering a serious head injury at the hands of Zdeno Chara.
Pacioretty skated alone Saturday.
The Canadiens hope to be fresh for Sunday’s back-to-back game in Montreal Sunday, as only Andrei Markov played more than 20 minutes (24:25) against the Sabres Saturday afternoon.
The victory was notable for the return of P.K. Subban, two-goal games from Lars Eller and David Desharnais and a standout performance by Alex Galchenyuk.
Those stories overshadowed some more steady play from Tomas Plekanec, who has been showing signs of a return to form after a sub-par performance last season.
The Senators are coming off a 1-0 loss against Carolina Friday, while the Habs hope to avenge a 5-1 defeat in Ottawa Wednesday.
The Canadiens will be trying to keep their home unbeaten streak alive, as the team has won their first four in Montreal this season.
Rene Bourque has been a powerhouse this season while the man he was traded for, Mike Cammalleri, is still searching for his first goal this season in Calgary.
Bourque said that going hard to the net has worked wonders.
“That’s been the big success for our line,” said Rene Bourque who scored twice Saturday. “Gio (Mike Gionta) drove by and I was trying to get to the net and I drew a penalty, same play on the first goal. I just go and the puck is going to come. He’s going to put it there for me. That’s where he wants me to go.”
