"I like playing in New York because I'm surrounded by friends and family," Pacioretty said. "I'll have a lot of people at all the games. Playing at Madison Square Garden is the coolest for me, being a Rangers fan growing up."
Returning to an important place from his childhood is special for Pacioretty, especially during the holiday season. New York is well known for its transformation around Thanksgiving into a hub of holiday celebration all across the five boroughs. Pacioretty wants to use this time to get some shopping done in SoHo and enjoy time with friends and family.
"There's nothing like New York at the holidays, maybe we'll even get a little snow," Pacioretty said. "I have to go see the tree at Rockefeller Center. I'll also try to make my way to Central Park because my sister lives in the Upper West Side. I have nice childhood memories there."
On the ice, head coach Gerard Gallant said Paul Stastny is close to returning to the lineup. After playing the first three games of the season, Stastny sustained an injury and has been off the ice for the bulk of the season. Now, practicing with full contact, Stastny hopes to come back Wednesday against the Islanders, pending medical approval.
"I feel good, whether it's next game or some time on this trip," Stastny said.
Muscle memory has helped Stastny get back into the swing of a full practice, but he admitted he had to think a little bit more to remember all of the drills during his first on-ice training session with his coaches and teammates in two months.
"I have to keep up the pace with my mind and my body," Stastny said. "Less is more sometimes with things like this so I just need to ease into it."
Vegas faces the New York Islanders at 4 p.m. PT Wednesday before rounding out the trip with games against the New Jersey Devils, New York Rangers and Columbus Blue Jackets.
