BY JOHN SHANNON
sportsnet.ca

The Shocking hockey news of Saturday night, was the announcement in Newark that Ilya Kovalchuk was a healthy scratch for the New Jersey Devils in their game against the Buffalo Sabres.

The Decision was made by Devil's coach John MacLean after this morning's game day skate.

"I'm not discussing it, it was my decision and I made it. He knows why, I spoke to him and that's where it's going to stay," said the rookie coach after the 6-1 loss to the Sabres.

Questions began to be asked when the Russian winger did not participate in the pre-game skate.

MacLean said he and he alone, made the decision but would not reveal why the decision was made.

The team was not made aware of the situation until they arrived at the Prudential Centre for the 7:00 game.

Team leaders Jamie Langenbrunner, Zach Parise and Dainus Zubrus said they were as much in the dark as the media and the fans.

It was believed that Kovalchuk was told of the decision, and then declined to be at the arena for the game.

Neither Lou Lamoriello or Kovalchuk were available for comment after the game.

The Devils are scheduled to play the Rangers at Madison Square Garden on Sunday night, and MacLean said that no decision has been made on whether or not Kovalchuk will play in the game.

He said that decision will be made in the morning.