Sitting in last place in the Eastern Conference, just three points shy of dead-last in the entire league, and losers of five straight, it’s safe to say things aren’t going well for the Buffalo Sabres.
But don’t just take our word for it.
“Shut the [expletive] up, you selfish [expletive],” Buffalo defenceman Justin Falk screamed at Evander Kane before shoving the Sabres’ star winger during a Wednesday practice, as heard by the Olean Times Herald’s Bill Hoppe.
Stuck in yet another dismal season, tempers are boiling over for the Sabres but, as Falk explained to reporters after practice, a little emotion is what the team needs right now.
Sabres coach Phil Housley agrees with his veteran blue-liner.
The incident was reportedly set off by Kane warning Falk to watch his stick, a comment that appeared to greatly agitate the 29-year-old.
And even though he was the victim of Falk’s verbal abuse, Kane, too, shrugged it all off.
Kane has had episodes with teammates in the past, but he took the high road in this occurrence. Earlier in the practice, Kane reportedly became tangled with Zach Bogosian, who fell into the boards and needed to be helped off the ice.
The 26-year-old Kane is on pace for a career season, ranking just behind Jack Eichel for the Sabres’ scoring lead with 16 goals and 35 points. Because of his breakout performance so far, and the fact his contract expires at season’s end, Kane’s name has popped up as a popular trade candidate for Cup-contending teams potentially looking for a short-term boost to their lineup with the Feb. 26 deadline looming.
For now, however, Kane’s still a Falk-antagonizing member of the Sabres.
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