Canucks' Bieksa undergoes hand surgery, out 6-8 weeks

The Vancouver Canucks will attempt to hold a playoff spot without one of their top defensemen.

Kevin Bieksa underwent surgery on his fractured hand and is expected to be out of the lineup for six-to-eight-weeks, according to Dan Murphy of Sportsnet.

Injured during a game against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Jan. 20, Bieksa scored three goals and added nine assists while averaging 21:16 of ice time through 45 games. 

The Canucks, who sit third in the Central Division, hope to have Bieksa back sometime in March.