Zednik: "can't wait" to return

Feb 21, 2008 - 7:19 PM SUNRISE, Florida (Ticker) -- Addressing the media for the first time since his accident in Buffalo, Florida Panthers left wing Richard Zednik said Thursday that he "can't wait" to get back on the ice.

Zednik, 32, spent six days in Buffalo General Hospital after suffering an arterial laceration on February 10, when he was cut by the skate blade of teammate Olli Jokinen in the third period of the Panthers' 5-3 loss to the Buffalo Sabres.

"I can't wait to go on the ice," Zednik said during a news conference at BankAtlantic Center. "I don't think it will be a problem. I'm here, I'm healthy talking to you (media) guys. I can't wait to return."

Zednik, who lost five pints of blood, underwent emergency surgery to repair a severed carotid artery - yet his scars were barely visible Thursday.

The Panthers say Zednik has received 22,000 get-well notes on the team's web site. Among those wishing him well was the president of Zednik's native Slovakia.

"We're really thankful that Richard will be able to fully recover, enjoy life with his wife and beautiful daughter, and continue his with this organization," Panthers coach Jacques Martin said. "That's what's really important.

"In these moments, you realize hockey is just a game. Life is more important."

Zednik, who returned to his South Florida home on Saturday, was in good spirits and joked with the media. He disagreed with Jokinen, who suggested that the game on February 10 should have been stopped after the incident.

"We were down a goal and we need all the points we can get," Zednik said. "If we were up a goal, we probably would not have wanted to play."

With the Panthers six points out of a playoff spot, Zednik said it will be difficult not being able to play. He said he plans to watch all the Panthers' games on television.

"It's going to be hard to watch," he said. "After one month, I think I'm going to feel good to go on the ice and practice. I would love to go on the ice and just skate and shoot the puck."

There has been some speculation that Zednik could return for the postseason if the Panthers make the playoffs. But Martin said such talk is a bit too optimistic.

"We're going to have a timeline, probably the next four weeks, where he's just going to relax," Martin said. "Richard will be out for the season. But more importantly, we really believe that he will regain all his strength and all his skills and be able to compete in the next three months."

A more realistic target for his returns seems to be at the start of next season.

"I just have to take the time," Zednik added. "(I) can't rush anything. (I want) to be 100 percent."

In the meantime, Zednik understands how fortunate he is. Jokinen's blade came within inches of cutting him in the jugular vein. Zednik, who never lost consciousness, said he remembers the incident. His first instinct was to skate to the bench as quickly as possible.

"I remember exactly what happened and I knew exactly what I had to do," he said. "I knew it was pretty bad. I knew I had to get to the bench. It was up to them (trainers and doctors) then."

"I think that Richard showed great presence of mind to skate to the bench," Martin added. "If he didn't go to the bench and waited for the trainer (to come to him), it could have been a different situation."

Prior to the injury, Zednik had recorded 15 goals, 11 assists and 43 penalty minutes in 54 games this season. The Panthers have gone 1-2-1 without him, losing their last two games to Carolina and Pittsburgh.

"I just can't wait to get with the guys and be on the ice with them," he said.

Zednik has collected 183 goals and 346 points in 675 career games with Washington, Montreal, the New York Islanders and Panthers. He also represented Slovakia in the 2006 Winter Olympics, scoring one goal in six contests.