Sabres' Lyon and Kulich Exit Preseason Game with Injuries
Goaltender Alex Lyon left Buffalo's preseason loss to Detroit with an upper-body injury after favoring his left shoulder, while center Jiri Kulich exited for precautionary reasons following his second-period goal. Coach Lindy Ruff said he is optimistic about Lyon's condition and that Kulich wanted to keep playing but the team chose not to take chances. Lyon posted a 20-10-4 record with a .907 save percentage last season.
Lyon’s injury occurred late in the first period as he lunged to smother a loose puck, immediately favoring his left shoulder before departing. Backup Colten Ellis entered and performed well, stopping seven of eight shots. Lyon’s previous season was strong, with a 20-10-4 record and a .907 save percentage, plus a .904 mark in ten playoff appearances.
Kulich’s exit came after his second-period goal, with the team citing caution despite his desire to continue. His history is notable—he missed most of last season recovering from a blood clot and hadn’t played a regular-season game since November. The Sabres already have Samuelsson (lower body) and Zellweger (concussion) on the injury list, adding to roster uncertainty before the Oct. 1 opener.
These injuries could affect the Sabres’ early-season performance and roster decisions, potentially impacting fan expectations and team morale. Lyon’s status may influence goaltending depth, while Kulich’s precautionary exit, given his recent blood-clot recovery, could highlight ongoing health management concerns for players. The team’s cautious approach may reassure fans about player safety, but it also adds uncertainty ahead of the regular-season opener, affecting how the organization and its supporters assess their competitive readiness.