The Buffalo Sabres are gearing up for their second-round playoff clash against the Montreal Canadiens, and they’re getting a key piece back just in time. Center Sam Carrick, known for his prowess in the faceoff circle, returned to practice on Tuesday and is expected to be in the lineup when the series begins.

Head coach Lindy Ruff didn’t set a specific return date, but his optimism was clear: “Once you’re cleared to practice, you’re within days of playing.” That’s music to Sabres fans’ ears, especially with Game 1 set for Wednesday night in Buffalo, followed by Game 2 on Friday.

Carrick has been sidelined since March 31, when he injured his left arm during a fight with New York Islanders captain Anders Lee in the third period of a 4-3 win. The injury forced him to miss the final seven games of the regular season and the entire first-round series against Boston—a six-game battle the Sabres ultimately won without him.

His recovery is ahead of schedule, a welcome boost after he met with team doctors on Monday. Acquired from the New York Rangers on March 5, the 10-year NHL veteran quickly became a vital cog on Buffalo’s fourth line. His specialty? Winning key faceoffs, especially in high-pressure, late-game situations in the defensive zone.

Since joining the Sabres, Carrick has won 82 of 143 faceoffs—a solid 57.3% clip. That’s a significant upgrade for a team that entered Tuesday ranked dead last among the 16 playoff squads, winning just 43.8% of their draws. In a tight series against Montreal, every possession counts, and Carrick’s return could be a game-changer.

On the flip side, the Sabres won’t have rookie center Noah Ostlund available for Round 2, as Ruff ruled him out due to a lower left leg injury.

With Carrick back in the fold, Buffalo’s lineup gets a gritty, experienced boost—just what they need to face a Canadiens team hungry to advance.