Maple Leafs LW Ponikarovsky out

Jan 24, 2008 - 9:48 PM TORONTO (Ticker) -- The Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday placed left wing Alexei Ponikarovsky on injured reserve with a dislocated shoulder.

Ponikarovsky is expected to be out of the lineup approximately six weeks.

Ponikarovsky left Wednesday's 3-2 victory over the Washington Capitals during the first period after being on the receiving end of a hit from defenseman Steve Eminger, who was assessed a boarding penalty.

The 27-year-old Ponikarovsky has 13 goals and 10 assists in 45 games this season.

The Ukrainian has registered 67 goals and 76 assists in 313 career games. The 1998 fourth-round pick also represented his country at the 2002 Winter Olympics, notching one tally and one assist in four contests.