RALEIGH, N.C. -- Montreal Canadiens left wing Max Pacioretty said he is still going to the Olympics despite suffering a lower body injury against the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday night.
"I'm OK. I'm going to Sochi," the U.S. Olympian said, according to NHL.com, following Montreal's 4-1 victory.
A Team USA spokesman echoed his claim, saying Pacioretty was still expected to head to Russia. There were no changes in that plan, the spokesman said.
Pacioretty collided with the goal with 7:30 left in the first period after being checked by Carolina's Brett Bellemore in the teams' final game before the Olympic break.
"I went in pretty hard and I got the wind knocked out of me," Pacioretty said. "I think the team wanted to play it safe and I think it was a good decision."
A native of New Canaan, Conn., Pacioretty is scheduled to leave for Russia on Sunday to join the American team, which opens play on Thursday against Slovakia.
The 25-year-old Pacioretty has played 49 games this season. He has 26 goals and 11 assists. Pacioretty had second hat trick of the season Thursday in a 5-2 win over Vancouver.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
