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Yep, Pacioretty wants to play tonight

Los Angeles Kings v Montreal Canadiens

MONTREAL, QC - DECEMBER 12: Max Pacioretty #67 of the Montreal Canadiens skates for the puck against the Los Angeles Kings in the NHL game at the Bell Centre on December 12, 2014 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Francois Lacasse/NHLI via Getty Images)

NHLI via Getty Images

What was surprising last night remains true so far Saturday morning: it’s possible that Max Pacioretty will play for the Montreal Canadiens tonight.

He participated in the team’s skate this morning, noting that he feels good and hopes to play against the Ottawa Senators.

While it’s been noted that Pacioretty’s trip to the hospital on Thursday was largely precautionary, it still seems stunning that the 26-year-old can bounce back from that hit by Anaheim Ducks defenseman Clayton Stoner so quickly.

His ability to rapidly return from injuries - often easily besting recovery prognoses - has earned Pacioretty the nickname “Wolverine.” Some may wonder if there’s a “Terminator” element to it all at this point, though.

We’ll see what ultimately happens, yet it’s remarkable that he seems like a game-time decision.

In other Canadiens notes, head coach Michel Therrien doesn’t think that it’s a big deal that David Desharnais is moving to the wing.

Follow James O’Brien @cyclelikesedins