For the second straight preseason game, the Buffalo Sabres lost two key players to injuries.
Goalie Alex Lyon and center Jiri Kulich both exited Thursday’s 3-2 overtime loss to the Detroit Red Wings.
Lyon left 18:00 into the first period after appearing to injure his left shoulder as he lunged to freeze the puck.
Sabres coach Lindy Ruff told reporters in Detroit that Lyon has an upper-body injury.
“I’m optimistic it’s nothing too bad,” he said.
Colten Ellis replaced Lyon.
Kulich, who scored 33 seconds into the second period, departed with an undisclosed injury at the 9:25 mark for “precautionary” reasons, according to Ruff.
“Wanted to finish the period but decided just hold him out,” he said. “Didn’t want to take any chances.”
After missing most of last season recovering from a blood clot – he hasn’t played a regular-season game since Nov. 1 – Kulich has dressed for all three preseason contests.
The Sabres, who open the season next Thursday on the road against the Columbus Blue Jackets, lost defensemen Mattias Samuelsson (lower body) and Olen Zellweger (concussion) in Tuesday’s 5-1 home win over Columbus.
In Thursday’s loss, winger Trevor Kuntar, a Williamsville native, opened the scoring and later fought Alex DeBrincat, who tallied the overtime winner.
Alex Lyon heads off the ice in discomfort after this play #LetsGoBuffalo #LGRW pic.twitter.com/Wxr6g2b8pL
— Buffalo Hockey Moments (@SabresPlays) September 24, 2026