Let's start with some good news:

Max Pacioretty's career looked in doubt as he lay on the Bell Centre ice after a crash into a stanchion, but now the Montreal Canadiens may have him back for the NHL playoffs. Doctors have told the team Pacioretty will be able to resume training, with contact, in three to five weeks, coach Jacques Martin said Thursday.

More good news, this time at the Avs expense:

A swarm of reporters greeted Ales Kotalik as he trudged into the dressing room Thursday night after a 5-2 Calgary Flames victory over the Colorado Avalanche.

Yes, this is the same Ales Kotalik banished to the minors at the all-star break. The same Ales Kotalik destined for a buyout this summer.

The 2010-11 Colorado Avalanche (26-35-8) season will never live in as much infamy as the 1974-75 Washington Capitals, who won only eight games in an 80-game season (8-67-5).