Sabres’ Alex Lyon out with lower-body injury, Ellis activated from IR

Not the best news for one of the hottest teams in the NHL.

When speaking to the media on Wednesday, Buffalo Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff announced that goaltender Alex Lyon has returned to Buffalo for further evaluation due to a lower-body injury.

In a corresponding move, the team has activated fellow netminder Colten Ellis from injured reserve. He will be backing up Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen on New Year’s Eve when the Sabres go up against the Dallas Stars.

Ruff noted that Lyon’s absence could be longer than the team would like.

“We’ll let our doctors take a look,” Ruff said. “We know it’s going to be a bit of time.”

Lyon suffered the injury late in the Sabres’ game against the St. Louis Blues on Monday night, but managed to complete the game. The 33-year-old stopped 16 of the 18 shots he faced in a 4-2 victory, marking the team’s ninth win in a row.

Like the rest of the team, Lyon had been playing very well as of late. The Baudette, Minn. native had won seven straight starts, including a 32-save performance against the New York Islanders on Dec. 20. The veteran’s play has helped drag the Sabres from the Eastern Conference’s basement and close to a Wild Card spot. In 21 games, he has a record of 10-6-3, with a 2.82 goals-against average, a .906 save percentage and one shutout.

Ellis has been out of action since entering concussion protocol on Dec. 9. Ellis came to Buffalo after being claimed by the Sabres off waivers from the Blues. In the first eight games of his NHL career, the 25-year-old went 4-3-0, with a 3.25 GAA and .895 SV%.

The Sabres (20-14-4) are fifth in the Atlantic Division and are just one point back of a Wild Card spot.