BUFFALO – The news on Robin Lehner, as expected, was bad. A high ankle sprain will sideline the starting goalie six to 10 weeks, Sabres coach Dan Bylsma said this afternoon.
Lehner injured his right ankle almost halfway through Thursday’s season opener, his Sabres debut.
“It’s not a complete surprise to get the results and have that be the timeframe,” Bylsma said following practice.
Check back for more later on Lehner, who has been wheeling around the First Niagara Center on a cart with his No. 40 and a Sabres logo.
In other injury news, captain Brian Gionta, out the first two games with a lower-body injury, practiced today on the right wing beside center Jack Eichel and Evander Kane and is questionable for Monday afternoon’s home game against Columbus.
Rookie defenseman Brendan Guhle (upper body) practiced today for the first time since Toronto’s Dion Phaneuf leveled him Sept. 29. Bylsma said he has no immediate plans to play him in the game.
Defenseman Zach Bogosian (lower body) has been skating on his own and progressing, Bylsma said.
Meanwhile, Zemgus Girgensons, a winger the first two games, switched back to center today between Tyler Ennis and Ryan O’Reilly, a move Bylsma said O’Reilly is fine with. Girgensons could pivot that line against the Blue Jackets.
