Fri Feb 15 16:56:08 2008

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Zednik thanks supporters

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Buffalo, NY (Sports Network) - Florida Panthers forward Richard Zednik issued a statement Friday thanking everyone for their support after his scary injury on Sunday against the Buffalo Sabres.

Zednik had his carotid artery severed by a skate blade in the game.

"I want to thank everyone for their tremendous support this week," Zednik said. "All of the fans, my teammates, the Panthers and Sabres organizations and the people of Buffalo have been great.

"I especially want to thank the nursing and medical staff at Buffalo General Hospital -- they have been by my side every step of the way. Jessica (his wife) and I thank everyone for respecting our privacy and we both look forward to returning to Florida soon."

Dr. Sonya Noor, Zednik's attending surgeon, said the player continues to improve and should be discharged soon.

On Tuesday, Zednik was upgraded to good condition and moved from the intensive care unit to a private room at the hospital.

He is expected to miss the remainder of the season. The 32-year-old veteran has 15 goals and 11 assists for 26 points in 54 games this season.