Montreal Canadiens: Forward Max Pacioretty Is the Real Deal

For those of you who do not already believe in Max Pacioretty, it may be time to start.

He’s young, big, one of the fastest skaters on the team, and it seems as if he’s beginning to maintain a level of consistency.

He added a goal and an assist in last night’s 3-1 victory against the Atlanta Thrashers—almost scoring another on a missed breakaway attempt on which he blew by opposition—bringing his point total to a very respectable 22 in 34 games.

It’s very encouraging to see one of the Montreal Canadiens’ prospects finally develop into a valuable NHLer. Time and time again, the Habs’ draft picks didn’t pan out (see David Fischer) or they would regress (see Danny Kristo).

It looks like Pacioretty gained some insight playing on the top line of the Hamilton Bulldogs: He brought the confidence he developed while scoring goals in the AHL over to the big leagues.

He learned that hard work pays off and that he had to take advantage of his opportunities. Most notably, he may have taken notice of the resolve of the Montreal Canadiens.

No team is brushed off as much as the Habs. Regardless of their position, the pundits always have something to say.

“They didn’t address their needs, they’re too small, they’re too old (an odd statement—the average age of the squad iced last night was 24.26 years old), they’ll never be contenders,” and so on and so forth.

They’re in sixth place in the Eastern Conference. Perhaps it’s because Carey Price has been playing the best hockey of his young career, or maybe it’s that they refuse to go away even after they’ve been counted out.

Whatever the reason, they’re still around.

After a quiet stretch since being called up from Hamilton, in a game against the Buffalo Sabres on Jan. 18, Max Pacioretty was struck in the torso by a James Wisniewski rocket from the point. He left the game on a stretcher and was taken to the hospital for tests and precautionary measures. Michael Cammalleri left the same game with a separated shoulder; he was sidelined for a month.

Max was diagnosed with bruised ribs and was playing the very next game. He had two points: a goal and an assist.

In fact, Patches has scored nine goals and six assists in the 17 games since his injury scare.

I’d say those are pretty impressive numbers for an up-and-comer, wouldn’t you?

In my opinion, they’re impressive numbers for any player, regardless of their age.

Pacioretty stepped into Cammalleri’s skates. He recognized the role that he had to play in his absence and, for the most part, he did a fantastic job.

Take note, Canadiens’ fans: A power forward is quickly emerging.