Pacioretty replacing Robertson for Leafs in Game 3
Toronto Maple Leafs forward Max Pacioretty will make his series debut Thursday in Game 3 against the Ottawa Senators, replacing Nick Robertson in the forward corps.
"He's worked hard, kept a good attitude for he most part," head coach Craig Berube said, according to Joshua Clipperton of The Canadian Press. "It's not easy. ... He's been around a long time, veteran guy. It's always harder for those guys."
Pacioretty hasn't played since Feb. 8 due to an undisclosed injury. The 36-year-old skated with Bobby McMann and Game 2 overtime hero Max Domi at practice.
Robertson registered an assist in Game 1 but has six penalty minutes in the series, including a costly high-sticking minor in Game 2 that led to a Senators power-play goal.
His 9:36 of ice time in Game 2 was the lowest of any Maple Leafs skater. Robertson tallied 15 goals and seven assists in 69 games this season.
Pacioretty had 13 points in 37 appearances in his first campaign with Toronto. He has 50 points in 78 career playoff games.
Puck drop for Game 3 is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET, with the Maple Leafs holding a 2-0 series lead.