Max Pacioretty Shares His Honest Thoughts on His Second Consecutive Healthy Scratch in Toronto
Veteran forward Max Pacioretty opens up about his feelings on being a healthy scratch for the second consecutive time for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Toronto Maple Leafs will host the New York Rangers in Toronto on Saturday evening, aiming to build on their strong start to the season. The Leafs currently boast a 3-1-0 record through 4 games this season.
While his teammates will be on the ice, trying to make it 4-1-0 on the season, Max Pacioretty will be scratched for the second time in as many games and will be posted up in the press box at Scotiabank Arena.
In comments reported by Terry Koshan on X, Pacioretty shared his perspective on this situation:
While the decision to scratch him is understandably frustrating, Pacioretty seems to be taking the high road, taking on a mentoring role in the locker room and supporting his teammates as best he can.
Pacioretty has already begun to gel with the Maple Leafs, contributing one goal in his three games in Toronto. He has also expressed admiration for his teammates, particularly praising William Nylander for his incredible edge-work and smooth skating.
The Maple Leafs face a strong Rangers team tonight, which boasts an even better record at 3-0-1, along with arguably the best goaltender in the league in Igor Shesterkin.
For Pacioretty, the only thing he can really control in all of this is his attitude and his work ethic. As a veteran forward in the league, he has seen guys go through similar situations in their careers, and seems to be taking everything in stride, knowing that it's just a matter of time until he gets back in there and has an opportunity to take hold of a roster spot again.
