Sabres’ Ray Suspended for One Game

Buffalo Sabre forward Rob Ray was suspended for Game 3 of their Stanley Cup playoff series against the Philadelphia Flyers for verbally abusing officials during Game 2.

Ray will sit out tonight’s game at Marine Midland Arena after he was cited for screaming obscenities at referee Stephen Walkom during the Flyers’ 3-2 victory on Friday night.

“That’s disappointing for our team,” Sabre Coach Lindy Ruff said.

“We carried our emotion in the last part of that game, and he’s a big part of the emotion for us.”

The Sabres were angry after Walkom called a penalty on defenseman Alexei Zhitnik after he shoved Philadelphia forward Eric Lindros into the Buffalo bench.

Philadelphia scored the game-winning goal on the ensuing power play.

Ray was ejected in the final minutes for arguing another penalty called on Matthew Barnaby.

Ray and Barnaby, who also was ejected, trashed the visitors’ locker room at the CoreStates Complex in Philadelphia.

The suspension was given because it was the second time Ray has verbally abused officials this season.

He also was cited March 10 after yelling at referee Richard Trottier during a 2-2 tie with the New York Islanders.