SJHN Daily: Imama Suspended 4 Games for Ugly Kniazev Board

San Jose Barracuda defenseman Artemi Kniazev left Saturday’s game and did not return after getting boarded by Tucson Roadrunners’ forward Bokondji Imama.

At 6:22 of the third period, Imama shoved Kniazev into the boards awkwardly and from behind and was assessed a five-minute major and a game misconduct. Imama was hit with a four-game suspension by the AHL on Sunday.

Kniazev takes a nasty hit into the corner. Bokondji Imama is out of the game seems like Kniazev but is ok, he's getting checked out though. 5-minute Barracuda power play I'd assume. pic.twitter.com/aE7Ytbdl1h

— TEAL TOWN USA – A San Jose Sharks Podcast (@TEALTOWNUSA) December 4, 2022

Barracuda head coach John McCarthy said he had no update after the game on Kniazev’s injury status. However, the San Jose Sharks prospect gave the crowd the universal “I’m alright” hand gesture as he skated off the ice with the Cuda training staff. Kniazev did not play Sunday against the very same Roadrunners.

On Oct. 29, the Barracuda and Roadrunners had a line brawl to start a game and finished with a combined 170 PIM.

The name Boko Imama is a familiar one to the Barracuda, as former Cuda forward Krystof Hrabik was suspended 30 games last season for a racial gesture directed at Imama.

Barracuda Prospect Hrabik Suspended 30 Games for Racial Gesture

AT SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW…

The San Jose Sharks ended their eastern swing with a 6-3 loss to the Buffalo Sabres.

Erik Karlsson wants to win, and trade rumors continue to swirl that the Ottawa Senators are still interested.

Mario Ferraro briefly rejoined his Sharks teammates for practice in Ottawa.

Thomas Bordeleau has started to heat up for the Barracuda, along with other San Jose Sharks top prospects.

IN OTHER SHARKS NEWS…

The Barracuda held its annual Teddy Bear Toss Night on Saturday.

TOSS THOSE TEDDYS #SJBarracuda @sjbarracuda pic.twitter.com/OJb2nmuQiZ

— Max Miller (@Real_Max_Miller) December 4, 2022

Oskar Lindblom scored his first goal as a San Jose Shark last night.

👏 @oskarlindblom gets his first in Teal! pic.twitter.com/flueLVUlPL

— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) December 5, 2022

It’s a new low point of the season for the Sharks after a 1-3-0 road trip, the Mercury News writes.

Benjamin Gaudreau gets the invite, as expected. Cam Lund has been invited to the U.S. selection camp #worldjuniors https://t.co/kZAbAw3JJm

— Curtis Pashelka (@CurtisPashelka) December 5, 2022

Happy 25th birthday to Luke Kunin!

Wishing a very happy birthday to @lukekunin9 🥳🎉 pic.twitter.com/3jiaOKllpI

— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) December 4, 2022

AROUND THE NHL…

Kris Letang is already back on the ice after suffering a stroke.

The Boston Bruins are the best team in the NHL and are undefeated at home this season.

Florida Panthers goaltender Spencer Knight has taken over as the team’s No. 1 netminder.

Tom Wilson has been skating on his own and still targets a January return coming off ACL surgery.

Dallas Stars forward Jason Robertson is on an 18-game point streak and leads the NHL in goals.

Bruce Cassidy returns to Boston hoping to end the Bruins 14-game winning streak at TD Garden.

Los Angeles Kings goalie Cal Petersen was sent down to the AHL after a rough game against Seattle.