BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) – Buffalo Sabres defenseman Jay McKee will miss between two and six weeks with a sprained left knee ligament.

Coach Lindy Ruff announced the injury Thursday, a day after Mckee was hurt during the first period of Buffalo’s 4-1 loss at New Jersey. McKee doesn’t recall the specific play in which he was hurt, saying only that he felt his knee begin to tighten up.

The game was McKee’s second back in the lineup after being benched.

for two straight games, punishment for a lack of physical play.

In 17 games this season, the nine-year veteran has no points and 21 penalty minutes while averaging just under 17 minutes of playing time a game.

The Sabres aren’t expected to make a roster move as they were already carrying eight defensemen before McKee was hurt.

AP-ES-11-20-03 1905EST