Max Pacioretty hospitalized after Clayton Stoner hit (Video)
The Montreal Canadiens could have used Max Pacioretty late in their game against the Anaheim Ducks. But as they scrambled to find a way to tie Thursday night’s game – which ended in a 2-1 win for the visiting Ducks – Pacioretty was getting evaluated after a brutal Clayton Stoner hit along the boards.
Pacioretty left the game at 4:04 of the third period. He passed the puck up ice and, frankly, admired the pass a bit. But Stoner delivered a hard check to his side, twisting the Montreal forward’s body around. Pacioretty face-planted into the glass. He was helped to the back and was eventually taken to the hospital for precautionary tests.
Expectedly, the two sides had differing views of the incident. From the Gazette:
“I didn’t like the hit,” said [Montreal Coach Michel] Therrien, but he refrained from discussing the matter further.
The one Canadien who was unequivocal in his assessment of the hit was Pacioretty’s close friend, David Desharnais. “It should have been a penalty,” said Desharnais, who went on to suggest that a five-minute major for boarding was in order.
Said Clayton Stoner: "I think their team wasn't happy about it. … I didn't mean to hurt him but the game's fast and sometimes guys go into the boards wrong, so I hope he's all right and I didn't mean any intentions to hurt him."
What do you think? With no penalty on the play, could Stoner get something from the league?
