Michael Leighton.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

DALLAS -- The Philadelphia Flyers will be without starting goalie Michael Leighton for at least eight weeks because of a high ankle sprain.

Leighton was injured Tuesday night in a 4-3 shootout loss at Nashville.

An MRI on Thursday revealed the extent of the injury, which will sideline Leighton for the rest of the regular season and at least the opening round of the playoffs.

Brian Boucher got the start Thursday night against Dallas.

Rookie backup Jeremy Duchesne awaits his NHL debut. Duchesne was called up from Adirondack of the AHL on Wednesday.

Leighton, acquired on waivers from Carolina on Dec. 15, 2009, became the primary starter after Ray Emery sustained a season-ending hip injury in February. Leighton has an 8-5-2 record and 2.83 goals-against for Philadelphia.