Arizona Coyotes radio analyst charged with assault

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Coyotes radio analyst and former NHL defenseman Nick Boynton was leveled with a host of charges Thursday following an overnight incident at a Buffalo casino.

Boynton was charged with assault, disorderly conduct, harassment, resisting arrest, criminal mischief and obstruction of government administration in connection with the situation, Buffalo Police spokesman Michael DeGeorge said.

The incident happened at approximately 1:45 a.m. when police say Boynton became abusive with patrons and security at the Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino, damaged casino property and "at one point did bite the hand of an officer who was attempting to subdue him," DeGeorge said.

Boynton, 36, remains in police custody at the Erie County Medical Center. He's expected to be arraigned in Buffalo City Court on Friday morning.

The Coyotes placed Boynton on a leave of absence and released a statement that said in part, "A police investigation is underway. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and until the continuing legal process is completed, we will have no further comment."

Boynton, who joined the organization as a radio analyst prior to this season, played in the NHL for 11 seasons and was with the Coyotes 2006-08. He was originally drafted ninth overall in 1997 by the Capitals but reentered the draft in 1999 after failing to secure a contract with Washington. He was then taken 21st overall by the Bruins.

Boynton had his best season points-wise (30) in 2003-04 with Boston where he spent the majority of his career. He won a Stanley Cup with the Blackhawks in 2010 before retiring in 2011.

Actions louder than words

Playing hockey isn't the only activity winger Lauri Korpikoski is currently unable to do.

He also can't chew.

"He's eating through a straw," coach Dave Tippett said.

Korpikoski took a high-stick to the mouth from Detroit's Marek Zidlicky in Tuesday's 5-4 overtime win over the Red Wings, suffering a few cuts in and outside his mouth. He sat out Thursday's game against the Sabres.

"It's tough slugging for him right now," Tippett said.

Tuesday's game was physical: center Joe Vitale had a couple critical shot blocks and defenseman Connor Murphy laid out a heavy yet clean hit on the Red Wings' Luke Glendening.

"There's some guys with some pretty good marks from pucks, from sticks, from body checks and when we talk about we want to play hard, that's what we're talking about," Tippett said. "We want to do it, so there's a mindset in there you gotta get it done."

Moore comfortable

Defenseman John Moore registered his first two-point effort Tuesday with a goal and assist, a sign he's starting to find his comfort zone with the Coyotes after a trade earlier this month from the Rangers.

"He's a really eager, eager player," Tippett said. "He wants to do things right. It's going to take time and six years ago, Keith Yandle was the same kind of player. Really hungry to learn, hungry to get his game to the next level, and I can see those same traits in John Moore."

The remaining games on the schedule won't change the Coyotes' fate, but they're still meaningful to a player like Moore wanting to fit in and soak up as much knowledge as possible.

"These games down the stretch for me are really important, just getting a feel for that so I can go into the offseason with an understanding of the way things are done."