Sabres expect to welcome back center Carrick for 2nd-round playoff series against Montreal

TL;DR

Buffalo Sabres center Sam Carrick has resumed practicing and is expected to return for the second-round playoff series against the Montreal Canadiens. Coach Lindy Ruff indicated that Carrick's return is imminent, following a recent injury.

Key points

Sam Carrick resumed practicing on Tuesday.
He is expected to return for the second-round playoff series against Montreal.
Carrick missed the last seven regular-season games due to injury.
He won 82 of 143 faceoffs during the season.
The Sabres ranked last in faceoff win percentage among playoff teams.

Buffalo SabresMontreal CanadiensSam CarrickAnders Lee

FILE - New York Islanders left wing Anders Lee (27) and Buffalo Sabres center Sam Carrick (10) fight during the third period of an NHL hockey game, March 31, 2026, in Buffalo, N.Y. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — Sabres center and faceoff ace Sam Carrick resumed practicing on Tuesday, and is in position to return for Buffalo’s second-round playoff series against the Montreal Canadiens. Coach Lindy Ruff anticipated Carrick will be back in the lineup soon, without providing a timetable by saying: “Once you’re cleared to practice, you’re within days of playing.” The Sabres host Montreal in Game 1 on Wednesday night, followed by Game 2 on Friday. Carrick wrenched his left arm during a fight with Islanders captain Anders Lee in the third period of Buffalo’s 4-3 win on March 31. He missed the final seven regular-season games and Buffalo’s six-game first-round series win over Boston. Carrick’s return is considered ahead of schedule, and comes after he met with team doctors on Monday. The Sabres acquired the 10th-year player in a trade with the New York Rangers on March 5. Carrick immediately took over as Buffalo’s fourth-line center, and has handled key faceoffs, especially in late-game situations in the Sabres defensive zone. He won 82 of 143 faceoffs for Buffalo. The Sabres entered Tuesday ranked last among 16 playoff teams in winning 43.8% of their faceoffs. Ruff previously ruled out rookie center Noah Ostlund (lower left leg) for Round 2. \\_ AP NHL: and

Q&A

When will Sam Carrick return to play for the Sabres?

Sam Carrick is expected to return soon, likely within days, as he has resumed practicing.

What injury did Sam Carrick sustain before the playoffs?

Sam Carrick wrenched his left arm during a fight with Anders Lee, causing him to miss the final seven regular-season games and the first round of the playoffs.

How has Carrick's performance impacted the Sabres' faceoff statistics?

Carrick won 82 of 143 faceoffs for Buffalo, which is crucial as the team ranked last among playoff teams with a 43.8% faceoff win rate.