Injury knocks Coyotes’ Sauer out 4 weeks

The Phoenix Coyotes announced Sunday that injured defenseman Kurt Sauer is expected to be out of the lineup for about four weeks.

A report on the team’s Web site said Sauer suffered a lower-body injury in the Coyotes’ 1-0 shootout win over the Dallas Stars Saturday.

It is a big blow for us, General Manager Don Maloney said. (But) it will open up an opportunity for someone else to step in and play well.

Sauer, who was a draft pick of the Anaheim Mighty Ducks in 2000, has also played for Colorado. This is his first season with the Coyotes.