A “dented trachea”. That’s what Buffalo Sabres defenseman Carlo Colaiacovo is dealing with after his team’s game against the Nashville Predators.
The veteran blueliner was in his zone when he took a crosscheck from Predators forward Viktor Arvidsson right to the throat. Colaiacovo immediately went to the ice in pain, and Arvidsson was assessed a five minute major as well as a game misconduct.
The Sabres took advantage of the opportunity presented to them by tallying twice on the powerplay, once by Jamie McGinn and the other by Sam Reinhart. The latter would turn out to be the deciding goal as the Sabres would pull away by a score of 4-1.
Reinhart finished the game with two goals. Ryan O’Reilly tied Jack Eichel for the team lead with 8 on his empty net goal late in the third period.
Coach Dan Bylsma said that Colaiacovo was doing okay, but didn’t have a full update on his condition other than he was being treated at an area hospital.
Though it hasn’t been announced, Arvidsson is likely to get a hearing with the NHL regarding the incident.
A suspension is almost guaranteed after Columbus forward Brandon Dubinsky was given one just the other day for a similar, yet not as consequential, action on Pittsburgh captain Sidney Crosby.