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Max Pacioretty will likely not return to the game after sustaining a lower body injury while driving to the net Saturday night.
He beat defenseman Brett Bellemore cleanly, but was shoved into the net by the aforementioned defenceman and was driven hard into the goal post.
Pacioretty is scheduled to board a plan tomorrow to head to Sochi, where he'll be counted upon by Team USA to provide some much needing scoring, however his Olympic plans may be in question after the 1st period collision.
Kyle Okposo & Bobby Ryan are seen as the front runners to replace Pacioretty if need be.
Montreal's offense will take a huge hit if Pacioretty misses any prolonged time, as he's by far and away their best goal scorer.
Let's hope Pacioretty's mythical healing powers help him in his recovery.
Update:
Good news, the early word is that Pacioretty should still be on his way to Russia.
If that prognosis on Pacioretty changes, will pass along any updates but, for now, I'd operate on assumption he's still going to Olympics.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) February 9, 2014
"Je suis correct. Je vais pouvoir aller à Sotchi"/"I'm ok. I'll be good to go to Sochi" - Pacioretty pic.twitter.com/dHhJ1zLa3o
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) February 9, 2014
