Injury Update on Alex Lyon
In a concerning development for the Buffalo Sabres, goaltender Alex Lyon may not be available at the beginning of the playoffs due to a lower-body strain. Head coach Lindy Ruff provided the latest update on Lyon’s injury during a press conference on Thursday, explaining that the injury occurred during a pre-game skate before the team’s recent victory over the New York Rangers on Wednesday night, where they won 5-3.
Playoff Implications
Coach Ruff indicated that Lyon’s recovery might take approximately one week, raising concerns that he might miss the opening of the playoffs, which are set to commence on April 18-19. The Sabres are currently in contention for the Atlantic Division title, having recently secured their first playoff spot in 15 years.
Goaltending Situation
Lyon, who is in his inaugural season with the Sabres, has posted a record of 20 wins, 10 losses, and 4 overtime losses, while splitting goaltending duties with Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen throughout the season. Amid Lyon’s absence, Buffalo has a third goaltender, Colten Ellis, who is expected to start against Columbus on Thursday night.
Ellis, who previously made a notable 31-save performance in a 4-3 overtime loss to Tampa Bay earlier this season, holds a record of 7 wins, 4 losses, and 1 overtime loss and will serve as Luukkonen’s backup during Lyon’s recovery.
