The French-Canadian media had packed up and shuffled out of the visiting team’s locker room after a 6-3 Golden Knights victory. There were only a few of us (local media) leftover when Montreal captain Max Pacioretty stood by his stall looking to chat. A few questions and three and a half minutes later, I knew I had a few gems.
“It was the coolest road game I’ve ever played. It was unbelievable. It was top notch. Couldn’t ask for better music, better atmosphere, better fans.”- Max Pacioretty, MTL Captain
— Jason R. Pothier (@JRPothier) February 18, 2018
That quote ended up creating a bit of a storm back east as some Habs fans took offense to Pacioretty’s comments. The next day, sports talk radio hosts in Montreal were trying to calm down unreasonable fans. Realistically, the veteran NHL’er was being a good team ambassador praising the newest franchise.
Everyone around the league that I’ve talked to that has already played here said the same thing and I just said, ‘oh yeah that’s great,’ but when you experience it for yourself, that was a treat to play and I wish we played them more than once a year. They do such a good job with the entertainment in this building. It was really a lot of fun except for the result.-Pacioretty 2/17/18
After another lopsided Montreal loss, I was shocked how open Pacioretty was, and I believed every word. It wasn’t lip-service. He really did enjoy playing at the T-Mobile Arena. The music, the in-arena entertainment, the Las Vegas pageantry, Pacioretty loved it all. For one February night in Las Vegas, in the midst of a tumultuous season, the 29-year-old had fun just playing hockey.
Until I saw it with my own eyes, I didn’t really believe it. I’m not sure exactly what I said something along the lines of it was one of the most amazing hockey experiences of my life. -Pacioretty
After that postgame exchange, I got the feeling Pacioretty would consider playing for the 31st franchise. On Wednesday, he essentially confirmed that.
As soon as I left the rink, I still had goosebumps, I was all fired up after we played them. And I said to my wife, if I’m a free agent, we’ve got to come here, this place is unbelievable. -Pacioretty
The veteran forward has played in traditional hockey markets his entire career, going back to high school. So to hear him speak about getting goosebumps in a “desert” market is an ironic jab to the hockey traditionalists.
Imagine that place in the playoffs. It would be crazy. -Pacioretty 2/17/18
Pacioretty won’t have to imagine anymore.
…so we went on YouTube and we put in the show and it was all the playoff shows. It was the Imagine Dragons playing before the teams came out, it was the ceremony before each round and I feel like this organization has changed the game. -Pacioretty
The Pacioretty acquisition should really encourage Golden Knights fans. More visiting stars will play here, fall in love, and want to sign with Vegas. #67 may be the beginning of a potential flow of future free agents.
Jes
Everything I read about Pacioretty makes me excited. You can’t fake his enthusiasm. The season needs to start like yesterday.
Ken Boehlke
It feels super genuine talking to him in person too. He’s loving being here and fans are going to love this guy.
Jason
Bring on San Jose! We will take Karlsson off your hands at the end of thr year anyway and you still will not have beaten us. Burns is slow and Reaves will welcome Karlsson to the west, if he can catch him
pfh64
The Pacific Division of going to be crazy this season. The LV-SJ matchups are going to be must see. As well most of the divisional games. They will be old time Patrick division crazy. Very intense and must wins. Only bad part for me, is the whole time zone thing.
Jonathan Bowen
Now I’m just patiently waiting for his first big moment so Fanatics makes a cool signed picture to add to the collection. My signed photo collection is over 10 already haha but it’s so much fun. I could get his puck but I love the “moments” pictures for my gaming room.