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Pacioretty upset by NHL decision on Chara

Print | Comments () Posted by Matt Pepin, Boston.com Staff March 10, 2011 09:03 AM

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By Matt Pepin, Boston.com Staff

Canadiens wing Max Pacioretty told TSN's Bob McKenzie he was "upset and disgusted" that the NHL did not discipline Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara for Chara's hit that left Pacioretty with a severe concussion and fractured vertebra.

"I am upset and disgusted that the league didn't think enough of (the hit) to suspend him," Pacioretty told TSN. "I'm not mad for myself, I'm mad because if other players see a hit like that and think it's okay, they won't be suspended, then other players will get hurt like I got hurt."

It appears to be the only interview Pacioretty has given. Pacioretty was injured in Tuesday's Bruins-Canadiens game in Montreal, and spoke from his hospital room Wednesday.

"It's been an emotional day. I saw the video for the first time this morning. You see the hit, I've got a fractured vertebrae, I'm in hospital and I thought the league would do something, a little something," said Pacioretty.

"I'm not talking a big number, I don't know, one game, two games, three games...whatever, but something to show that it's not right."

Pacioretty also said he did not believe Chara's claim that he didn't mean to injure him.

"I felt he did mean to do it. I would feel better if he said he made a mistake and that he was sorry for doing that, I could forgive that," Pacioretty said.