Avs' Sakic out at least six weeks

Colorado Avalanche captain Joe Sakic will be sidelined at least six weeks while receiving treatment for a herniated disk.

The center's back has bothered him all season and he hasn't played since hurting it during his first shift in a game at Phoenix on Friday.

In a statement issued by the team, Sakic said he concurred with team doctors, who recommended he not return to the ice until mid-January.

In addition to his back problems, Sakic also missed several games with an infected tooth. He originally hurt his back a month ago but had recovered before his latest injury.

Sakic had struggled to make a decision over the summer on whether he should return for a 20th season.

MAN FALLS FROM UPPER DECK IN OTTAWA: A man fell about 25 feet from the upper deck of Scotiabank Place during the second intermission of the NHL game between the Ottawa Senators and the Atlanta Thrashers on Wednesday night.

According to witnesses, the young man sailed headfirst past and over a few stunned onlookers in the rows ahead of his seat before clearing the low railing at the bottom of the third level and falling onto a row of seats in the level immediately below.

The man was conscious and receiving medical attention from paramedics while police interviewed people sitting in his section.

FLYERS' BRIERE OUT A MONTH WITH GROIN INJURY: Philadelphia Flyers center Danny Briere will be sidelined four to five weeks with a severe groin strain.

Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren said on Wednesday the injury was significant and was expected to miss at least a month. Briere left Tuesday night's win over Tampa Bay after the second period.

DUCKS ACQUIRE STEPHENSON FROM COYOTES: The Anaheim Ducks acquired defenseman Logan Stephenson from the Phoenix Coyotes on Wednesday for left wing Joakim Lindstrom.