As much as people cringed as Montreal Canadiens forward Max Pacioretty labored his way off the ice (and then to a hospital) on Thursday, at least a few onlookers probably couldn’t help but say, “If anyone can avoid missing the Habs’ next game, it’s him.”
Well, he might not miss the Habs’ next game. That’s the report from TVA’s Renaud Lavoie, who notes that the 26-year-old is in “much better shape” today and “anything is possible.” Lavoie didn’t say anything is possible because Pacioretty actually has Wolverine’s mutant healing powers, though.
Even by “hockey players are tough” standards, Pacioretty’s developed a reputation for returning from injuries with stunning speed. It’s to the point where the “Wolverine” comparison almost feels less like a joke and more like an all-too-obvious observation.
Pacioretty continues to be a go-to winger for Montreal, as he has 13 goals and 25 points with a whopping 114 shots on goal in 33 games in 2014-15. The Canadiens face the Ottawa Senators on Saturday.
A check by Anaheim Ducks defenseman Clayton Stoner left Pacioretty wobbly on Thursday, but did not draw a suspension. Here’s video of that hit: