To say that Saturday night's game was exciting could be considered an understatement. From Montreal's blazing start to Toronto's miraculous and sensational comeback, not to mention a potential save of the year candidate thrown in there for good measure.
Every forward besides Ryan Reaves scored a point, they played phenomenal on special teams, and they finally got some offense from their defenders as Oliver Ekman-Larsson led the way with three points.
But one particular play could have turned the game on its head if not for the bravery and toughness of Max Pacioretty.
Whether it's luck or perseverance, Pacioretty was determined to make sure that he made it through unscathed this time around. The last time the Canadiens and Maple Leafs met in November, the former Canadiens captain ended up missing a few weeks with an injury.
But hand it to the man known as 'Patches' to bring the toughness whenever he steps on the ice.
Initially signed to a PTO by the Maple Leafs in the offseason, he impressed enough to earn a contract and though he was expected to add some scoring depth; it's his aggressiveness that's been the biggest surprise.
This season through 32 games he has only five goals and seven assists but 89 hits, and is only 30 away from matching his career high set back in 2018-19; his first season with Vegas.
People tend to forget that although Pacioretty is known for putting the puck in the net, he's huge. At 6'2, 220 pounds, he moves deceptively fast for a 36-year old and if you're not looking it feels like you just got hit by a freight train.
It's been a pleasant surprise to see Pacioretty be so aggressive, and if he can start getting the offense going, especially come playoff time, it's going to pay off in spades for the team.
Pacioretty will get to add to his hit total on Monday night in a crucial divisional matchup with the Tampa Bay Lightning at home in what's sure to be another physical game. The puck is scheduled to drop at 7:30pm ET.