Lydman activated from injured list

Sabres defenseman Toni Lydman was activated from the injured list on Friday before Buffalo took on the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Lydman hadn't played since injuring his groin against the New Jersey Devils on Oct. 28. The Finn sat out five games.

Lydman, who leads the team in average ice time at 21 minutes, 27 seconds per game, has one goal and five points in 10 games this season. He was acquired by the Sabres for a 2006 third-round pick in August. He has 20 goals and 98 points in his five-year NHL career.

Russian right winger Maxim Afinogenov also sat out on Friday, the first game he missed this season, because of bruised ribs. He is day to day, AP reports.

А. А.