KARIYA SENT TO SYRACUSE
 
After saying last week the team had no plans to send Steve Kariya to AHL
Syracuse, the struggling rookie packed his bags Friday.
 
"Obviously, everyone wants to play in the NHL," said Kariya, who had six
goals in his first 20 games but just two in his next 23. He'd been a healthy
scratch in four of the last five games.
 
"But I'll get quality ice time there and that's the most positive thing."
 
"Right now it's the best thing for his development," said Crawford.
 
"He has to handle the physical battles, playing in his own end without the
puck, getting the puck out along the boards.
 
"With more talent here now if Steve wasn't at the top of his game he'd be
sat. At the American League level that won't happen."