NHL's Max Pacioretty suffers 'severe' concussion, neck injury

March 9, 2011-  Canadiens winger Max Pacioretty suffered a severe concussion and a fractured fourth cervical vertebrae during a game last night after a hit by Boston Bruins' Zdeno Chara caused him to hit the glass and a stanchion headfirst.  Pacioretty lay motionless on the ice for several minutes before he was removed by stretcher.  The Canadiens announced Tuesday night that he was conscious and able to move his hands and feet, according to NECN.

A native of New Canaan, Conn., Pacioretty, 22,  is in his third NHL season.

Chara was given a 5-minute penalty for major interference and a game misconduct. Late Wednesday the NHL ruled that no further disciplinary action was warranted.