The Buffalo Sabres received some devastating injury news on Sunday that will significantly impact their Stanley Cup playoff run. Head coach Lindy Ruff confirmed that two key players have been ruled out for the entire second round—even before their opponent has been determined.

Forward Sam Carrick will continue to sit out due to an upper-body injury sustained in a fight against New York Islanders captain Anders Lee back in late March. Carrick was seen favoring his arm after the altercation and hasn't been able to return to the ice since.

The news got worse from there. Rookie Noah Ostlund, who suffered an injury during Game 5 of the Sabres' opening-round series against the Boston Bruins, is also expected to miss the entire second round. It's a tough break for a player who was beginning to find his rhythm in the postseason.

"I don't believe either will be available in this series yet," Ruff said on Sunday, delivering the sobering update to fans and media.

The Sabres still don't know who they'll face in Round 2—that matchup will be decided later today when the Montreal Canadiens take on the Tampa Bay Lightning in a decisive Game 7. But regardless of the opponent, Buffalo will need to adapt to a depleted roster.

On the bright side, the extra rest before the next series starts could prove invaluable. With two key players sidelined, every day of recovery and preparation matters more than ever for a team looking to make a deep playoff push.