ATLANTA — Atlanta defenseman Mathieu Schneider missed the Thrashers' game against the New York Islanders on Thursday night because of a hip flexor injury.

General manager Don Waddell said Schneider was injured in a light morning practice and isn't expected to join the team on a two-game road trip to Buffalo and Carolina.

The Thrashers acquired the 33-year-old defenseman in a late September trade with Anaheim. He ranks fifth among active players with 1,209 career games.

Goalie Kari Lehtonen missed his third straight game because of a stiff back and flu symptoms, but Waddell expects him to return Friday night against the Sabres.