Toni Lydman (photo: Getty Images)

Toni Lydman will not be ready in time to help Buffalo Sabres as they take on the New Jersey Devils Wednesday night.

The defenseman suffered a groin injury last week during a game against the Florida Panthers and although he has been skating on his own, has not been able to practice with the team.

“He pushed it a little too hard yesterday,” Head Coach Lindy Ruff said. “He felt sore so we decided to keep him off today. That’s normal for groins when you get to that point when you think you can almost go.”

This is the second injury for Lydman this season. He previously missed three games with a hand injury he sustained during the preseason.

Nathan Paetsch will serve as his replacement alongside Steve Montador.

Andrej Sekera [rib] continued to practice with the team Tuesday at the Amherst Pepsi Center, but Ruff said he will not be available for the match-up against the Devils. There is a chance, however, that the defenseman could play this weekend.