The Buffalo Sabres are getting a crucial boost just in time for their second-round playoff clash against the Montreal Canadiens. Center and faceoff specialist Sam Carrick has returned to practice and is expected to be back in the lineup soon, giving the Sabres a much-needed edge in the faceoff circle.

Carrick has been sidelined since March 31, when he injured his left arm during a fight with Islanders captain Anders Lee in Buffalo's 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, which the Sabres won in six games. Now, after meeting with team doctors, Carrick is ahead of schedule in his recovery.

Head coach Lindy Ruff is optimistic about the veteran's return, noting that once a player is cleared for practice, game action is just days away. Carrick's presence couldn't come at a better time for Buffalo, which ranks last among the 16 playoff teams with a faceoff win percentage of just 43.8%.

Acquired from the New York Rangers on March 5, the 10-year NHL veteran quickly became a key piece of Buffalo's fourth line. In the regular season, Carrick won 82 of 143 faceoffs for the Sabres, often handling high-pressure draws in the defensive zone late in games. His ability to win crucial puck battles will be vital against a Montreal team that thrives on transition offense.

Unfortunately, not all injury news is positive for the Sabres. Ruff confirmed that rookie center Noah Ostlund will miss the second round due to a lower left leg injury, making Carrick's return even more critical for Buffalo's depth down the middle.