Zednik to be discharged within 48 hours

[WingNutt 12]

Scary moment, I was praying for him and this is great news. Get better soon Richard.

Florida Panthers left wing Richard Zednik is set to be discharged from hospital, according to his attending surgeon.

Sonya Noor, M.D., released a statement Thursday saying that Zednik continues to improve and "should be discharged sometime over the next 48 hours."

Noor revealed that Zednik is in good spirits, four days after he underwent emergency surgery at Buffalo General Hospital after getting cut in the neck by the skate blade of teammate Olli Jokinen during Sunday's 5-3 loss to the Buffalo Sabres.

"He asked if he could eat Buffalo chicken wings -- so we let him," Noor said.

Zednik was moved out of the intensive care unit to a private room on Tuesday.

Zednik had his carotid artery nearly severed in the accident, which was described as life-threatening.

Doctors are optimistic that Zednik will make a full recovery and possibly resume his career as early as next season.

Noor said Monday that because Zednik received a "clean" cut, there were minimal complications during the surgery. She estimated that he would be able to resume normal activity in six to eight weeks.

The play brought back uncomfortable memories of when then-Sabres goaltender Clint Malarchuk had his jugular sliced in a 1989 game against the St. Louis Blues.

Zednik has 15 goals, 11 assists and 43 penalty minutes in 54 games this season.

[Opie 308]

I heard something the other day that the Dr that is credit with saving Zednik's life played a large role in helping Kevin Everett, could have been trainer but I think it was Dr.

Either way, I am very happy he is alive and well, I also heard that the Panther's announced he would be out for the season, not sure if they IR-ed him but I think that was a good jester to say, Hey man take your time!!

[toby91_ca 620]

At first glance, this didn't look as bad as the Malarchuk incident, maybe it just wasn't as graphic. Malarchuk was back playing in a week and it looks like Zednik won't be back until at least next season.

[wingsfan75 2]

The main difference btwn the Malarchuk incident and this was that Malarchuk's was the juggular which wasn't as serious because it was a vein not an artery. So the blood from that had already provided the necessary oxygen to his brain. Zednik's was arterial so he was ultimately losing blood as well as oxygen to his brain.

Edited February 15, 2008 by wingsfan75

[Opie 308]

Correct wingsfan75, that is also why he passed out at the bench, how he made it to the bench is amazing, but I think he saved his own life by making it to the bench with his hand compressing the wound.

[HockeyCrazy3033 168]

That is some great news. It's so scary to still think of, but thank God he's okay and will be back to normal in a couple months.

[irishtemper14+25 11]

fantastic news

[wingslogo19 281]

Good to hear he's doing good.. It was a scary accident

[PenaltyShot 96 521]

That's for the update, glad to hear he will make a full recovery. It's awesome that they let him have Buffalo wings in the hospital, instead of hospital food haha.

[Nero 20]

Correct wingsfan75, that is also why he passed out at the bench, how he made it to the bench is amazing, but I think he saved his own life by making it to the bench with his hand compressing the wound.

The medical staff was quoted in saying that he didn't pass out on the bench, but was aware the entire time. He was quoted as even saying "don't press that hard, you are hurting my neck".

[Zion 93]

One of the reasons I love being in Buffalo; endless hockey coverage, and genuine concern for his well-being.

[SouthernWingsFan 854]

Great news!