Pacioretty to return to Canadiens' lineup, Sens' Stone also in after wrist injury

BROSSARD, Que. - Max Pacioretty might make his return to the Montreal Canadiens lineup for the second game of their Eastern Conference playoff series with the Ottawa Senators but forward Pierre-Alexandre Parenteau will sit out.

Pacioretty, Montreal's leading scorer this season, suffered a concussion in the third-last game of the regular season but participated in Friday morning's game-day skate.

A key was that, for the first time this week, he was wearing a regular visor instead of a tinted one.

When asked if Pacioretty would play against Ottawa on Friday night, Montreal coach Michel Therrien said, "I can't answer that. I haven't talked to the medical team.

"He's feeling good," Therrien added. "That's a good sign.

"He had a good practice (Thursday) and this morning I know he felt really good, but I can't confirm that he's going to be there (Friday night) or Sunday (in Game 3)."

He said Parenteau will miss Friday's game with an upper body injury.

Pacioretty led the Canadiens with 37 goals and 67 points this season. He was also a key penalty killer and led the NHL at plus-38.

Forward Devante Smith-Pelly said having him back would make a difference.

"A bunch of guys stepped up last game and adding another guy (Pacioretty) would be huge for us," he said. "He's looked good the last couple of days in practice.

"He's following protocol. We'll see how he feels."

The Canadiens won the series opener 4-3 on Wednesday night.