Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Sergei Gonchar will be sidelined for six weeks because of a broken left wrist.

The 35-year-old Russian suffered the injury during Tuesday's 5-1 win against the St. Louis Blues after colliding with an opposing player and landing awkwardly.

Gonchar, who lies third in scoring among NHL defensemen with eight points, will be replaced in Pittsburgh's starting line-up by Czech Martin Skoula for Friday's home game against the Florida Panthers.