Richard Zednik's Neck Cut
Slovakian all-star forward Richard Zednik is recovering from
a freak injury and may be discharged from hospital soon, doctors
said on Wednesday, 2/13/2008.
The Florida Panthers left winger continues to improve and could
be out of Buffalo General Hospital within two to three days,
surgeon Sonya Noor said.
Richard Zednik underwent emergency surgery after getting sliced
in the neck by the skate blade of teammate Olli Jokinen during
Sunday's 5-3 loss to the Buffalo Sabres. Zednik was moved out of
the intensive care unit on Tuesday.
Richard Zednik, who had his carotid artery nearly severed in the
accident, had his condition upgraded from stable to good on
Wednesday.
"I especially want to thank the medical staff involved in his
care and the Buffalo General Hospital for their tremendous
support during this difficult time," his wife Jessica said.
"Richard continues to improve and we are encouraged each day."
Doctors are optimistic that Richard will make a full recovery
and possibly resume his career.
Noor estimated that he would be able to resume normal activity
in six to eight weeks but might not be able to return to the NHL
until next season.
The play brought back memories of when then-Buffalo goaltender
Clint Malarchuk had his jugular sliced in a 1989 game against
the St. Louis Blues.
Malarchuk spent just one night in hospital and returned to duty
with the Sabres in less than a week.
Richard Zednik has scored 183 goals and 346 points in 675 career
games with Washington, Montreal, the New York Islanders and the
Panthers.
He also represented his native Slovakia in the 2006 Winter
Olympics, scoring one goal in six contests. He also represented
Slovakia at the Worlds in 2001, 2003, 2005.
This is not the first serious injury for Richard Zednik. Six
years ago as a member of the Montreal Canadiens he was elbowed
in the face by Boston defenceman Kyle McLaren and suffered a
fractured cheekbone, broken nose, and a concussion.
Zednik missed the remainder of the National Hockey League
playoffs as a result.
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