Wednesday, Nov. 04, 2009

Thrashers' Lehtonen out 6-8 weeks after back surgery

The Atlanta Thrashers on Wednesday announced goaltender Kari Lehtonen underwent successful back surgery and will be sidelined for six-to-eight weeks.

The procedure was performed October 30 in Rochester, New York, and removed edges of bone that were applying pressure to nerve roots in his back in two locations.

Lehtonen had already undergone a back disc surgery on July 20, and has not played this season.

In 204 games over five NHL seasons, all with Atlanta, Lehtonen has posted a 94-83-17 record with 14 shutouts and a 2.87 goals-against average.