Canadiens' Pacioretty out Thursday vs. Red Wings

Montreal Canadiens forward Max Pacioretty will not play against the Detroit Red Wings at Bell Centre on Thursday, coach Michel Therrien said in Florida on Tuesday.

Pacioretty appeared to sustain an upper-body injury at 5:48 of the first period against the Florida Panthers on Sunday when he hit his head against the boards after being checked by Panthers defenseman Dmitry Kulikov and then getting his feet tangled with Panthers defenseman Alex Petrovic.

The Canadiens remained in Florida for a day off Monday and were returning to Montreal on Tuesday. Pacioretty was to meet with doctors in Montreal.

Pacioretty's 37 goals and 67 points lead the Canadiens, who are in first place in the Atlantic Division, two points ahead of the Tampa Bay Lightning, following a 4-1 win against the Panthers.