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Johnny Weir leapt into second place after the men's short program Tuesday, but was still more than 10 points back of leader Evgeni Plushenko.

“I’m ahead of all three medalists from last year’s world championships,” Weir said. “But at the same time, it’s a very small margin over Stephane.”

That’s Stephane Lambiel, who along with Buttle and France’s Brian Joubert were expected to give Plushenko some kind of challenge. Instead, they proved themselves mere mortals.

Lambiel conceded with his first element, hitting a double axel instead of the triple all of the other top men do. His spins were fine, probably the best of the night, and he had a quadruple toe-triple toe combination, but he’s still third behind Weir.

Joubert botched his combination jump and is fourth. Buttle continued the Canadian men’s tradition of falling short at the Olympics — literally. He fell on his triple axel and is sixth.

“I’m going to fight,” said Lambiel, who has a history of trouble with the triple axel. “I did a good short program, but the double axel was a big mistake. I have to check what’s wrong for my free program. I have to do all the jumps, the spins and everything.”

As for Weir’s two teammates, don’t bother looking for them on the podium. Evan Lysacek, the bronze medalist at last year’s world event, had a disastrous night, falling on his triple axel and cutting his triple flip to a double. He’s in 10th place.

Matt Savoie rotated only 2½ times on an attempted triple lutz, then came down so off balance that his leg nearly stuck in the ice at the end boards. He’s in eighth.

“I had an off night,” Lysacek said. “Not good to do it at the Olympics.”

He shouldn’t feel too bad.

With Plushenko skating this well, others are bound to go home disappointed.

Asked if someone could still beat the Russian for the gold, Weir said:

“If he falls three times maybe, just maybe, someone can squeeze by.”