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By DAMIAN CRISTODERO
© St. Petersburg Times, published December 17, 2000
LOS ANGELES -- Defenseman Petr Svoboda is home in Tampa after a concussion and a broken nose late in the first period Thursday night against the Coyotes.
Head medical trainer Dave Boyer said Svoboda, who was placed on injured reserve, is scheduled for tests Tuesday, but, as of now, is out "indefinitely."
Boyer said Svoboda was "really out of it" when he was helped off the ice. Boyer said it took 10 to 15 minutes before Svoboda could answer simple questions about where he was or what sport he was playing.
"He just didn't say anything," Boyer said.
The injury occurred with 3:21 left in the period when Svoboda was checked by Phoenix's Shane Doan. The shaft of Svoboda's stick smacked his nose with such force it left a bloody cut and caused the concussion.
WARRINER BENCHED: Coach Steve Ludzik benched Todd Warriner for Saturday's game against the Kings. The left wing had one goal and no assists in his 12 previous games.
"I've talked to him and talked to him," Ludzik said. "I like him as a person and I think he's a guy who has really helped us. But right now, he's not helping us."
Warriner was benched Nov. 10 against the Canadiens and had two assists the next night against the Flames. Ludzik said he wants "more passion" from Warriner and will talk to him before determining whether the benching will be extended. "If he says, "I don't understand,' then I have my answer," Ludzik said.
Warriner acknowledged his slump.
"I just have to keep shooting and work through it," he said. "Go back to basics, drive the net and hang around the net after shots."
Warriner, who signed a two-year, $1.85-million contract last summer, began the season on the No. 1 line with Vinny Lecavalier. MORE INJURIES: Boyer said Craig Millar (left knee patella) has a hairline fracture. The defenseman was put on injured reserve. Boyer said Millar injured the knee Monday against the Avalanche. He'll be off skates for two weeks.
ODDS AND ENDS: Defenseman Sergey Gusev and left wing Gordie Dwyer were healthy scratches. ... Defenseman Paul Mara (abdominal strain) was activated off injured reserve.