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Montreal Canadiens forward Max Pacioretty

Montreal Canadiens forward Max Pacioretty will not face supplementary discipline for his hit on New York Rangers defenceman Ryan McDonagh in Saturday night's game at the Bell Centre in Montreal.

Pacioretty was assessed a boarding minor after taking McDonagh face-first into the end boards in the second period of Montreal's 3-0 win. McDonagh skated off the ice holding his face and did not return. There was no further update on his condition.

Pacioretty was interviewed at length and the NHL's Department of Player Safety decided that Supplemental Discipline was not appropriate.

Rangers coach John Tortorella was visibly agitated about the hit on McDonagh following the game.

"Can I ask the first question? How high did Pacioretty jump on his hit, can anyone tell me?" Tortorella asked to open his post-game press conference. "I'm asking you guys. Over/under?"

When a reporter responded with a guess of six inches, Tortorella replied "You're wrong."

The Rangers also lost top defenceman Dan Girardi in the final minute of the third when he went down after blocking a shot from Montreal's P.K. Subban.

Pacioretty was suspended for three games back in 2011 for a hit to the head of Pittsburgh defenceman Kris Letang.

In 14 games this season, Pacioretty has four goals and 13 points to share the scoring lead with Tomas Plekanec.

Montreal is not scheduled to play again until Monday when they face the Ottawa Senators.

With a report from The Canadian Press

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