Max Pacioretty speaks out after tough performance in first game back from injury
Toronto Maple Leafs forward Max Pacioretty noted his disappointment today after a rough game last night in his return to the lineup.
Pacioretty appeared in his first game in almost exactly a month last night as the Leafs took on the struggling Pittsburgh Penguins.
Unfortunately, things did not go well for Toronto, as they dropped the game 5-2.
Naturally, the spotlight was on Pacioretty in particular as his return to the lineup has been highly anticipated.
Coming into last night he had six points in 13 games. Unfortunately, he did not add to that total.
In fact, it was a rather poor night for the veteran. He had just a single shot, one blocked shot, and took two minor penalties in the loss.
Head coach Craig Berube went easy on him in his post-game remarks, but once again noted that his team had to stop taking penalties.
"A little aggressive at times. He hasn't played in a while. He wants to be physical and do what he does. We just went to the box too much in general - five times. There are good players over there."
Pacioretty was perhaps a bit more harsh on himself in his post-game statements, saying that he needs to play a smarter game.
He did, however, take a subtle jab at the referees, implying that he was on the wrong end of a couple of soft calls.
"You don't want to be in the box, not to say I completely agree with it all. But, you know, that's the way the game goes sometimes. I got to be probably smarter there. But, you know, the right intent is there. I just got to be a bit more disciplined."
Pacioretty will have a chance to redeem himself on Tuesday when the Leafs visit their old head coach Sheldon Keefe in New Jersey.
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