OTTAWA – Max Pacioretty politely declined to reply the query.
After relating his stage of pleasure stepping into the Maple Leafs’ first-round playoff sequence and the way properly Toronto’s backroom employees works to get injured gamers prepared for motion, he was requested concerning the feelings of the final 75 days ready for his likelihood.
“I’d relatively not speak about that,” Pacioretty mentioned after pausing a number of seconds.
It’s clear the 36-year-old didn’t need to wait this lengthy. The chance, nonetheless, is lastly there for the taking.
Pacioretty was set to attract into the lineup for Sport 3 of the Battle of Ontario towards the Ottawa Senators with Toronto up 2-0 within the best-of-seven matchup following a pair of residence victories.
“I waited a bit of bit right here for this,” he mentioned following Thursday’s morning skate. “I’ve put in loads of work and had loads of nice folks in my nook assist me out. Thankfully, I’m able to go.”
The winger will take the place of Nick Robertson on Toronto’s third line beside Max Domi and Bobby McMann on the Canadian Tire Centre.
Pacioretty final performed Feb. 8 towards the Vancouver Canucks earlier than being shut down with an undisclosed damage.
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Leafs head coach Craig Berube acknowledged the scenario hasn’t been straightforward for a participant in his seventeenth NHL season.
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“You may’t management loads of issues that occur,” mentioned the veteran bench boss. “He needed to be in there and enjoying, however he’s acquired the chance now. He’s labored onerous, stored perspective for probably the most half.”
Pacioretty had 5 targets and eight assists for 13 factors in 37 video games with the Leafs in 2024-25 after making the group out of coaching camp on knowledgeable tryout.
“Bodily, quick participant,” Leafs captain Auston Matthews mentioned. “He’s fairly fired as much as get again within the lineup. It’s been a short time for him, however he’s a veteran man. He is aware of what to do on the market, and particularly in this type of scenario.”
Pacioretty has handled a number of well being points in latest seasons, together with tearing his proper Achilles twice in lower than a 12 months.
Matthews mentioned the eagerness the previous Montreal Canadiens captain brings nonetheless burns brilliant.
“He simply loves being across the guys, loves being on the ice … simply loves the sport,” mentioned Matthews, who, like Pacioretty, is a U.S.-born participant carrying the ‘C’ in a Canadian market. “It’s been superior having the ability to get to know him. He’s had a protracted street over the past stretch — some robust luck — and this 12 months as properly, some accidents. However he’s a man that simply loves the sport.
“These are guys that you just all the time need in your aspect.”
Matthews mentioned Pacioretty’s persona additionally retains issues mild.
“The dialog can go anyplace,” he mentioned with a smile. “It’s not likely all the time even centred round hockey. He’s a very entertaining man to be round. The dialog could possibly be about absolutely anything, and also you’ll get snort.”
All joking apart, Pacioretty signed in Toronto within the twilight of his profession for moments like Thursday in a hostile atmosphere.
“That was the purpose for me,” he mentioned. “This is the reason I’m right here.”
TRADING PLACES
Travis Inexperienced lived the Battle of Ontario as a participant. He’s again within the fray greater than 20 years later — behind the bench and on the opposite aspect.
Inexperienced performed for the Leafs within the early 2000s and was a part of some heated moments within the provincial rivalry.
Now head coach of the Senators, he has a singular perspective.
“It’s an thrilling time,” Inexperienced mentioned. “The gamers really feel that as properly. The longer a sequence goes on, the extra you are feeling it. I loved it totally again then, and I’m having fun with it now.”
KEEP CALM
Berube was seen gesturing at assistant coach Marc Savard to maintain his feelings in test behind the bench in Sport 1 after a Toronto purpose. Savard was far more reserved two nights later when the Leafs once more pushed forward.
“We ask the gamers to be composed,” Berube mentioned with a smile. “We speak about it on a regular basis … that goes for us, too. Typically it’s troublesome.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first printed April 24, 2025.
© 2025 The Canadian Press
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