Ducks’ Patrick Maroon out four weeks with MCL sprain

Patrick Maroon avoided the worst-case scenario Thursday as the Ducks announced he had suffered a sprained — not torn — left knee ligament that will keep him sidelined about four weeks.

“It’s not as bad as we thought it would be, so I’ll just come here every day with a positive attitude … get stronger and get back on the ice,” Maroon said. He injured the medial collateral ligament Monday during the Ducks’ 5-1 victory in Buffalo.

Maroon said the pain he felt was intense when Sabres defenseman Josh Gorges delivered a second-period hip check that caused his knee to buckle, but a preliminary diagnosis eased his mind and a thorough examination Wednesday confirmed he won’t miss the rest of the season.

Playing on the first line with center Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry, Maroon had compiled three assists through two-plus games.

“We’ve got enough guys, there’s a lot of good players in that locker room,” Maroon said of his absence.

Maroon’s roster spot was filled by Chris Wagner from minor-league Norfolk as the Ducks await veteran forward Dany Heatley’s groin injury to heal.