Archives for November 8, 2002

'The incident took place at 17:23 of the first period when Zhitnik collided with Hlavac in the Sabres' zone. Zhitnik was assessed a five-minute major for kneeing and a game misconduct.'

The heat is on. It’s on Buffalo Sabres general manager Darcy Regier. Already unpopular after several deals that have allowed name talent to leave only to be replaced by unprovens, Regier finds his team at a standstill.

'Zhitnik will miss the Sabres' games against Atlanta on Saturday and Boston on Tuesday. He will also forfeit $39,074.08 that will go to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.'

‘Buffalo Sabres defenseman Alexei Zhitnik has been suspended two games without pay for a kneeing incident involving Carolina Hurricanes left wing Jan Hlavac, the NHL announced Friday.’

The Sabres were blanked for the second time on the trip and finished with only six goals to their name.

'"Classically played hockey game," Carolina coach Paul Maurice said. "A smooth-as-silk operation. You have to accept the fact that you're not going to be part of a masterpiece, that you're going to be part of a very ugly hockey game. And we did that. Sort of."'

'Kevin Weekes came within 53 seconds of a shutout against the New Jersey Devils on Oct. 19. There would be no close call for the Carolina Hurricanes goalie on Tuesday.'

'Maybe the hockey gods gave the Carolina Hurricanes a little payback on Thursday night.'

A knee-to-knee hit by Buffalos Alexei Zhitnik on Jan Hlavac knocked Hlavac out of the game Friday night, but Zhitniks failure to play the puck set up the decisive goal in the Carolinas 2-0 victory over the Sabres.