Tempers flare between Sabres' Kane, Falk during practice

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Buffalo Sabres coach Phil Housley is OK with tempers flaring on his struggling team after forward Evander Kane and defenceman Justin Falk had to be separated following a brief shoving match during practice.

Housley says it was "good to see some emotion" when asked about the skirmish on Wednesday.

According to Buffalo's WGR-Radio , Kane was unhappy with Falk getting his stick up while the two battled in front of the net. Falk responded by telling Kane to "shut up," and then pushed him once before the two were separated by coaches.

Falk called the altercation "spur of the moment," and says it might be good for players to show more passion given that Buffalo sits last in the Eastern Conference standings.

Kane said it wasn't a big deal and ended quickly.

Buffalo is coming off a 7-4 loss to Winnipeg on Tuesday, and is 2-7-3 in its past 12.

Defenceman Zach Bogosian's status is uncertain after leaving practice with a leg injury.

Buffalo hosts Columbus on Thursday before entering a six-day break.

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The Associated Press