THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

NASHVILLE — Vancouver Canucks defenceman Kevin Bieksa left Friday night’s game against the Nashville Predators with what the team called a lower-body injury.

The Canucks said that he would not return to the game.

After playing 7:20 of the first period, Bieksa took just two shifts in the second period before going back to the Vancouver locker room. Bieksa did not appear to be involved in any major collisions during the game.

In 17 games this season, Bieksa is tied for the Canucks team lead with five goals.