Normally I wouldn’t really comment on something that isn’t Islanders related – but given that Zednik played for the Isles after being traded by the Capitals last season – this is indeed worthy of being posted.
In a game against the Buffalo Sabres tonight (of all teams), Richard Zednik was severely injured by the skate blade of Olli Jokinen. Skate blade cuts are bad enough when they are anywhere, but especially dangerous when they happen in the neck area, as this did tonight. Zednik was able to leave the ice under his own power and the medical staff literally sprung into action and should be credited with saving his life tonight.
Per TSN:
With the Sabres leading 4-3 midway through the third period, linemate Olli Jokinen – who was being checked in the Sabres’ zone – fell forward and his skate accidentally flew up and caught the right side of Zednik’s neck.
Zednik bled profusely from the cut but was able to skate toward his bench where he was met by the trainer and immediately ushered to the locker room.
Zednik is listed as stable and was transported to a hospital.
For those who remember, Sabres goaltender Clint Malarchuk had his neck cut on March 22, 1989 in a similar incident – so naturally this is a bit of a repeat for the Sabres. Malarchuk survived the incident, albeit with 300 stitches – amazingly only spending one night in the hospital and would return to practice 4 days later.
The prognosis on Zednik appears to be good, so I hope he is able to return to action as soon as possible and get back on the torrid scoring pace he has been on!
