Canadiens' Pacioretty out 4-6 weeks with knee injury

The hits keep coming for the Montreal Canadiens, as the team announced Monday that captain Max Pacioretty will miss four-to-six weeks with a knee injury.

Pacioretty sustained the injury Friday against the New York Islanders. He left midway through the second period and did not return.

Given the time frame, Pacioretty could be sidelined for the remainder of the season. The Canadiens sit 10 points back of a playoff spot, with their final regular-season game scheduled for Apr. 7.

Through 64 appearances in 2017-18, Pacioretty has recorded 17 goals and 20 assists. His 37 points rank third on the team.

Pacioretty's injury is just the latest blow for the Canadiens, who already lost blue-liner Shea Weber for the remainder of the season following foot surgery, while star netminder Carey Price is sidelined indefinitely with a concussion.

On Monday, Montreal also announced that rookie defensemen Victor Mete will miss six weeks after fracturing his finger versus the Islanders.