Team USA management and coaches are now holding their collective breath as they await the outcome of the back injury that Max Pacioretty suffered on Saturday night. The power forward was was hurt after a collision into the Carolina Hurricanes’ net in the first period of Saturday’s game. Cane D Brett Bellmore leveled Pacioretty into the Carolina net. He left the game and didn't return for the rest of the night.
Pacioretty had to be helped off the ice by a member of the Montreal Canadiens training staff.
I'm OK. I'm going to Sochi," the U.S. Olympian said after Montreal's 4-1 victory. Team USA's preliminary round kicks off Thursday with a game against Slovakia.
Pacioretty drove hard to the net and was hit by Hurricanes defenseman Brett Bellemore. He appeared to be favoring his left forearm as he skated slowly to the dressing room. He didn't return, and the Canadiens announced during the second period that Pacioretty had sustained a lower-body injury.
The Connecticut native has club-leading 26 goals and 11 assists for Montreal this season.