Agent: Zednik had livesaving surgery

By John McMullen and Eric Redner
The Phanatic Magazine

Florida Panthers forward Richard Zednik required lifesaving surgery Sunday night after his carotid artery was severed and he lost a significant amount of blood.

"I'm not a doctor, obviously, but that's the way it was described to me," Zednik's agent, David Schatia, told The Phanatic Magazine.

Surgery to close the laceration in Zednik's neck was performed at Buffalo General Hospital and he is currently listed in stable condition.

Dr. Sonya Noor, the attending surgeon for Zednik, said Zednik would remain in the intensive care unit and will be evaluated throughout the day.

"The entire Panthers organization wish to extend their sincere gratitude and appreciation to the medical staff at Buffalo General Hospital, the Buffalo Sabres organization, the HSBC Arena staff and to the Panthers and Sabres fans who have expressed their condolences," Panthers assistant general manager Randy Sexton said.

Halfway through the third period during Florida's 5-3 loss to Buffalo on Sunday, the Panthers' Olli Jokinen was chasing down the puck in the right corner of the Buffalo end. He was upended as he attempted to reach for the puck and his right leg lifted into the air and the skate blade hit Zednik in the neck.

Zednik was bleeding profusely as he skated to the Florida bench, leaving a trail of blood. Attendants jumped onto the ice and rushed him to the locker room.

Play was delayed for several minutes as both the benches and the crowd were silent until it was announced over the public address system that his condition was stabilized.