BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) -- Sabres forward Dainius Zubrus was sidelined by a knee injury in Buffalo's season-ending loss to Ottawa in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals.

Zubrus confirmed the injury on Monday, two days after the Sabres were eliminated. NHL teams aren't required to identify injuries during the playoffs.

Zubrus isn't sure if he'll require surgery to repair damaged cartilage. He had an arthroscopic procedure on the same knee in the summer of 2005.

He said his knee began hurting during the second-round series against the New York Rangers, won by Buffalo in six games. After playing the first three games against Ottawa, Zubrus was limited to 4 minutes in Game 4. He then sat out Saturday.

Acquired at the trade deadline in February in a deal with Washington, Zubrus had four goals and four assists in 19 regular-season games with Buffalo. He added eight assists in 15 playoff games, while playing a key checking role.

A 10-year NHL veteran, Zubrus completed the final year of his contract and is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.