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Max Pacioretty returns to skating, hopeful he'll be ready for opener

Montreal Canadiens forward Max Pacioretty returned to the ice Tuesday for the first time since he suffered tibial plateau fractures in his left leg at the start of the summer.

Until Wednesday, Pacioretty hadn't revealed the extent of his injuries. He skated for 20 minutes Tuesday and 35 minutes Wednesday. He said he's hoping to be ready for the season opener Oct. 7 at Toronto.

Pacioretty suffered the injury running a sprint. He confirmed he hyperextended his knee and felt a small pull in his hamstring.