Thomas Vanek, right, crashed into the boards after scoring on this play in Tuesday's win over Detroit. (Dean Duprey/Associated Press)Thomas Vanek, the Buffalo Sabres' leading goal scorer, will be out for "weeks" in the words of coach Lindy Ruff after he was injured in Tuesday's 6-2 home win over the Detroit Red Wings.
Vanek left for the dressing room and didn't return after crashing into the boards following his second goal of the second period, which made it 5-1 Buffalo.
Ruff wouldn't disclose specifics of the injury, but said Vanek will "miss some time" before adding it will be weeks rather than days.
"It's tough," said Ruff, adding that Vanek was initially hurt earlier in the game. "But I think we have enough depth."
Vanek has a team-high three goals in four games this season. He led Buffalo in goals each of the last three campaigns, averaging 40 in that span.
"It's unfortunate, because he played really well tonight," said Derek Roy, who centres the Sabres' top line with Vanek on the wing. "It's going to be a huge miss, but it's going to be somebody's turn to step up."
With files from The Associated Press
