Overview
- Sam Carrick returned to practice after meeting with team doctors and is considered within days of playing, coach Lindy Ruff said.
- Rookie center Noah Ostlund remains unavailable for the second round because of a lower-body injury sustained in Game 5 against Boston.
- Buffalo will start the series at home against Montreal after earning the Atlantic Division’s top seed.
- Carrick had won 82 of 143 faceoffs for Buffalo and his return could help a team sitting last among playoff clubs at 43.8 percent on draws.
- The injuries tighten Buffalo’s center depth, raising the chance of more minutes for Tyson Kozak or shifts for wingers if another setback hits.