Pacioretty back on skates

Montreal Canadiens left wing Max Pacioretty (67) falls on the ice during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Florida Panthers, Sunday, April 5, 2015 in Sunrise, Fla. Pacioretty left the ice after being interfered with by Panthers defenseman Dmitry Kulikov of Russia, then falling backwards into the boards after his skate made contact with defenseman Alex Petrovic's. The Canadiens defeated the Panthers 4-1. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

Some encouraging signs suggest that Habs' leader sniper Max Pacioretty might be healing fast yet again.

Pacioretty, who is tied for fourth in the league for goals scored, with 37, was seen skating intensely on his own Saturday morning in Brossard.

Canadiens' Coach Michel Therrien said Saturday it was "good news" that Pacioretty was on the ice.

"He's reacted really well to the treatment that he got," Therrien said after the Habs' morning skate at Air Canada Centre. "But I don't have much more news because I haven't talked to the doctor yet."

He was sidelined for at least two games after suffering an upper body injury after the left side of his head crashed into the boards early in his team's 4-1 victory in Sunrise, Florida on April 5.

Pacioretty missed the rest of the game against the Panthers and was also sidelined against the Red Wings, who the Canadiens beat 4-3 in overtime Thursday.

He will also miss the final game of the regular season in Toronto Saturday.

In spite of Pacioretty's absence the Canadiens managed to score four goals in both games, above their customary average.