Sabres Goalie Alex Lyon Faces Uncertain Playoff Start Due to Injury

Buffalo Sabres goalie Alex Lyon may not be ready for the start of the playoffs after suffering a strained lower-body muscle. Head coach Lindy Ruff shared this concerning update on Thursday, just a day after Lyon was injured during the team’s pre-game skate before their 5-3 victory over the New York Rangers.

Ruff indicated that the initial prognosis suggests Lyon could be sidelined for about a week, although there remains a possibility that he won’t be available when the playoffs commence on April 18-19. This news adds a layer of uncertainty for the Sabres as they prepare for postseason play.

As the Sabres gear up to host Columbus on Thursday night, they find themselves in a fierce battle for the Atlantic Division title, having secured their first playoff berth in 15 years. Lyon, who has enjoyed a solid first season in Buffalo with a record of 20-10-4, has been sharing the starting role with Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen.

In light of Lyon’s injury, the Sabres are relying on a third goalie, Colten Ellis, who is set to make his first start since a 31-save performance in a 4-3 overtime loss to Tampa Bay back on February 3. Ellis enters the matchup against Columbus with a record of 7-4-1 and will serve as Luukkonen’s backup while Lyon is out.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.