CHICAGO, Nov. 16 (UPI) -- Goaltender Jocelyn Thibault of the Chicago Blackhawks will be sidelined through the NHL All-Star break after undergoing hip surgery on Saturday.
Thibault had a torn labrum repaired in Pittsburgh by Dr. Mark Philippon, a specialist who also is treating ailing Penguins All-Star Mario Lemieux. A team official said Thibault is expected to miss 10 to 12 weeks.
The injury may have happened in practice a week ago. He has not played since a 2-1 victory over Nashville on Nov. 7.
The first-time All-Star last season is 5-3-2 with a 2.27 goals-against average and .933 save percentage in 10 games. He has been the Blackhawks' No. 1 goalie since he was acquired from Montreal in November 1998.
Rookie Michael Leighton will be the starter in Thibault's absence.
"I'm definitely excited," Leighton said. "I have to make the best of it and play to the best of my abilities."
Since a 5-1-3 stretch, the Blackhawks have lost four straight games (0-2-2) to fall below the .500 mark.
