BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — Buffalo Sabres coach Lindy Ruff anticipated opening the season next week without starting goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, who suffered a lower-body injury in his preseason debut.

Ruff listed Luukkonen as week to week without disclosing the nature of the injury on Friday. Ruff would only say the injury is separate from the lower-body issue that sidelined the 26-year-old for the start of training camp two weeks ago.

The latest injury occurred Wednesday, when Luukkonen was unable to return after the first period of a 5-3 loss to Pittsburgh.

Buffalo closes its preseason schedule at Pittsburgh on Friday, and opens its season hosting the New York Rangers on Thursday.

Luukkonen’s absence will force the Sabres to turn to two offseason free agent additions in Alex Lyon, who wa

See Full Page