Islanders backup goalie Nathan Lawson injured in start against Sabres

BUFFALO, N.Y. - New York Islanders backup goalie Nathan Lawson was replaced after injuring his left knee in the first period Friday night against the Buffalo Sabres.

Lawson hurt himself when he steered toward a goal post while reaching out to grab a jam-in attempt by Buffalo's Jochen Hecht. The play occurred with 3:01 left, and Lawson remained in the game after a trainer attended to him. He was replaced by Kevin Poulin at the beginning of the second period.

Lawson, appearing in his sixth career game after Rick DiPietro stayed in New York with flu-like symptoms, did not return to the bench and will be re-evaluated Saturday, the Islanders announced.

Poulin also is making his sixth career appearance.