Head coach Lindy Ruff allowed Buffalo Sabres fans to breathe a sigh of relief Thursday when he confirmed winger Alex Tuch and goalie Colten Ellis both missed practice for maintenance following Wednesday night's loss to the Dallas Stars in the regular-season finale.
Any type of more serious absence for Tuch would have represented a crushing blow to the Sabres' playoff hopes as they prepare to open the first round Sunday against the Boston Bruins.
Meanwhile, Ellis has been thrust into the backup goalie role behind starter Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen after a late-season injury to Alex Lyon.
Ruff provided other injury updates after Thursday's practice session, as well.
Alex Lyon close to a Sabres practice return
Lyon was making a serious bid to take over the No. 1 goaltending role, or at least share the net with UPL in the postseason, before his standout season took a sudden turn for the worse. He stopped just 44 of 57 shots over his final three starts (.772 save percentage) and then suffered a lower-body ailment during a recent practice.
It sounds like the Sabres will see how he handles a return to the ice in the coming days to determine whether he'll serve in the No. 2 role to open the playoffs. If not, Ellis will continue to handle the reserve role while the 33-year-old journeyman completes his recovery.
Either way, Luukkonen is now firmly entrenched as Buffalo's starter and should handle every start as long as his recent strong form continues under the bright playoff lights.
Lyon still deserves a lot of credit for helping keep the Blue and Gold afloat in the season's first half as UPL struggled during the immediate aftermath of returning from injury.
Noah Ostlund could play in Round 1 vs. Boston
Ostlund hasn't played since suffering an upper-body injury in a March 25 game against, coincidentally, the Bruins. Ruff previously stated it's a matter of pain tolerance as the playoffs approach.
The Jack Adams Award front-runner added Thursday it's a "definite possibility" the rookie forward returns during the Boston series, though he didn't guarantee it would be a Game 1 comeback.
Ostlund has recorded 27 points (11 goals and 16 assists) across 60 appearances while playing strong two-way hockey as part of Buffalo's middle-six forward group.
It wouldn't be a surprise if he takes on a fourth-line role upon his return, especially with that group struggling without center Sam Carrick, but the 22-year-old Swede could climb back up the depth chart if the Sabres embark on a long postseason run.
Sam Carrick likely out for Bruins series
Speaking of Carrick, Ruff noted the veteran pivot acquired from the New York Rangers ahead of the trade deadline probably won't be available against Boston. He's been sidelined since suffering an arm injury in a fight with the New York Islanders' Anders Lee last month.
Carrick was tremendous for the Sabres following the trade. He scored five goals in 13 games while winning 57.3% of his faceoffs, which provided a much-needed boost for a team that's struggled mightily in the dot throughout the campaign.
His presence not only led to a drop off by the fourth line, but it's left the club without a clear option to handle key defensive-zone draws. Josh Dunne is likely the best replacement option available.
Buffalo will hope Carrick can recover in time for the second round if it advances to face either the Tampa Bay Lightning or Montreal Canadiens.
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