The Buffalo Sabres are set to face off against the Montreal Canadiens on Wednesday night in Game 1 of the second round. The Sabres will be looking to start the series on the right foot by defeating the Habs at home.
Ahead of Game 1, Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff provided an update on forward Sam Carrick, and it was certainly an encouraging one.
According to Ruff, Carrick "could be a possibility" to play in Game 1 against the Canadiens.
Carrick was initially expected to miss all of the second round. If he is given the green light to return for the Sabres, he would provide their bottom six and penalty kill with a much-needed boost.
Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
Carrick has not played for the Sabres since March 31 against the New York Islanders. The 2010 fifth-round pick injured his arm in a fight with Islanders captain Anders Lee.
The Sabres acquired Carrick from the New York Rangers ahead of the trade deadline in March in exchange for a 2026 third-round pick and a 2026 sixth-round pick. Carrick made an immediate impact following the trade, posting five goals, one assist, 20 hits and a 57.3% faceoff win rate in 13 regular-season games with Buffalo.
Given his production, there is no question that the Sabres will be hoping that Carrick is cleared to play for Game 1. He is exactly the kind of gritty player the Sabres could use in their bottom six as they take on the highly skilled Canadiens.
