For a time Saturday night, Max Pacioretty’s Olympic dream looked in jeopardy - on the eve of him flying to Russia and Sochi.
Pacioretty, a forward for the Montreal Canadiens and the U.S. men’s Olympic hockey team, left Saturday’s game against the Carolina Hurricanes in the first period, after a hit from Brett Bellemore and a hard collision into the Carolina net. At the time, it was classified as a lower-body injury. He did not return.
But it appears he is still headed to Sochi. According to Dave Stubbs of the Montreal Gazette, Pacioretty had back spasms and feared for his Olympic participation.
“I’m OK. I’ll be good to go to Sochi,” said Pacioretty, as per the Canadiens’ Twitter account.
Understand #Sochi2014 isn't Pacioretty's decision alone. #Habs medical staff would have to clear him, which plainly they have
— Dave Stubbs 🇨🇦 (@Dave_Stubbs) February 9, 2014