The Predators hurried from Bridgestone Arena Saturday night after losing to Buffalo in order to board a plane for Sunday's game at Tampa Bay.
Before he left the arena, however, the Predators Scott Hartnell planned to visit the Sabres' locker room.
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He felt compelled to offer his concerns for Victor Antipin, the player he had smashed into the boards with a hit from behind in the second period of Buffalo's 7-4 win.
Antipin wasn't there. He had been taken off the ice on a stretcher after the hit and taken to Vanderbilt Medical Center. Antipin was released from the hospital soon after the game ended.
"It was unfortunate and I feel really bad about it," Hartnell said. "I'm going to (the Sabres' locker room). I know a couple of guys over there, just to pass on my thoughts and let them know I didn't try to hurt the guy. It was just kind of a hockey play. Those plays happen 10 to 15 times a game and it was just an unfortunate accident."
Sabres coach Phil Housley said Antipin was "doing well right now" and that he would know more after getting an update from doctors on Sunday.
Hartnell received a five-minute boarding major and misconduct penalty that quickly turned the direction of the game. The Sabres scored three goals during the penalty play.
