Zednik's condition upgraded to 'good'

BUFFALO, N.Y., Feb. 12 (UPI) -- Florida Panthers forward Richard Zednik was listed in good condition Tuesday, two days after having a neck artery nearly severed by a teammate's skate.

Zednik remained in the intensive care unit of Buffalo General Hospital and was expected to be hospitalized until at least the weekend, his agent, David Schatia, told The Buffalo (N.Y.) News.

Zednik, 32, underwent emergency surgery to repair a carotid artery that was cut open midway through the third period of Sunday's game against the Buffalo Sabres. Florida's Olli Jokinen kicked his leg out as he fell, hitting Zednik in the neck.

He was able to skate about 100 feet to the bench where training staff and team physicians began first aid. Doctors performed surgery that night to repair the damage and said the artery was cut about three-quarters of the way through.

Zednik reportedly asked doctors on Monday when he could start training again, they said it would be six to eight weeks before he could resume regular activities.