The last time the Montreal Canadiens faced the New York
Rangers, Max Pacioretty found himself getting a mauled by Henrik
Lundqvist's blocker during a memorable skirmish.
"I want to send a message there," said Lundqvist. "It happens."
The message may have been the Rangers will match the Canadiens' intensity. The message may have also been to Pacioretty; as in, 'Hey kid, crash the net and face the consequences.'
But Pacioretty is still going to the net and playing with more confidence than ever.
His stock is on the rise. Coach Jacques Martin placed him on a line with Tomas Plekanec and Brian Gionta after the All-Star Break, and that line factored into two of the Habs' three goals in a win over Florida on Wednesday. They'll likely face the Rangers today in an afternoon affair at Bell Centre.
Said Plekanec to the Montreal Gazette on Pacioretty:
"He got strong mentally," Plekanec said. "In the years before, he got a little frustrated when he didn't play much. We need that kind of forward. Since he got that call, he's been strong. The mental side of the game is huge. I had to realize that myself."
At 22, Pacioretty's star is rising for the Habs.
The 2007 first-round pick out of New Canaan, Connecticut, he's one point away from matching his point total from last season (14 in 52 games). He has 13 points in 22 games, including six in his last five games.
There's no question he's found another level in his third season with the Habs, both offensively and as a presence on the ice: He's drawn both the ire of Lundqvist and Zdeno Chara in the last month.
Has he played into the top six, with Michael Cammalleri on the mend? And at 6-2, 203 pounds, can he play the role of power forward for the Habs? From RDS.ca (translated), Pacioretty said:
"I love this label because at the end, there are not many players who play in the NHL in this way. That is why we attach so much value to power forwards in the league. I know I'm capable of playing such a role, and I will do everything to become that kind of player," said Pacioretty, who has gradually gain weight in muscles during the coming season. "I had to lose weight (fat) to improve my speed. But now it's done, I will now try to increase my muscle mass this summer. "
Marty Biron may get the start today for the Rangers, so the rematch between the King and Pacioretty may have to wait. As it stands, Lundqvist still has an advantage over Max in on-ice scraps and Swedish dandruff shampoo commercials: