Alex Lyon's Lower Body Injury Could Keep Him Out When Sabres' Playoff Run Starts
Buffalo's goalie Alex Lyon is dealing with a strained lower-body muscle that could sideline him when the playoffs open later this month. Coach Lindy Ruff broke the news Thursday, explaining that Lyon got hurt during the team's pre-game skate the day before Buffalo topped the New York Rangers 5-3. The initial prognosis has Lyon missing about a week, but there's a real possibility he won't be ready for the playoff opener scheduled for April 18-19.
The Injury and What's Next
Lyon, 33, picked up the injury during a pre-game skate and didn't see action in Buffalo's win over the Rangers. Ruff acknowledged the timeline is tight, especially with the postseason just around the corner. The Sabres are hosting Columbus on Thursday night, so they'll have a chance to stay sharp while figuring out their goalie situation. This is their first playoff berth in 15 seasons, and they're still in contention for the Atlantic Division title, so missing their starting goalie at the worst possible time would be brutal.
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Lyon has been solid in his first year with Buffalo, posting a 20-10-4 record while splitting starts with Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. With Lyon potentially out, the Sabres will lean on Luukkonen as the primary starter and have a third option in Colten Ellis ready to step in if needed. Ellis is scheduled to start Thursday's game against Columbus in his first outing since a 31-save performance in a 4-3 overtime loss at Tampa Bay back on February 3. He carries a 7-4-1 record on the season. If Lyon can't go when the playoffs begin, Ellis would serve as Luukkonen's backup.
The next week will be critical for the Sabres as they monitor Lyon's recovery and prepare for their postseason push. With their first playoff appearance in over a decade on the line, they need their goaltending locked in and healthy.
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