The Buffalo Sabres have to wait a few more hours to find out who they are going to play in the next round, which officially will begin Wednesday night. Unfortunately, they are preparing for the next round without two key parts of their lineup, which Lindy Ruff essentially confirmed on Sunday.
The Sabres' head coach on Sunday was asked if he expects either Noah Ostlund or Sam Carrick to be available for the upcoming series. "I don't believe either will be available in this series," Ruff said.
For most of the first round, the Sabres were without Carrick and Ostlund, and fortunately were able to advance to the next round. However, it doesn't get any easier, and not having either is a big loss for Buffalo.
Sam Carrick was a trade deadline acquisition and made an immediate impact solidfying the fourth line. The Sabres made the move for his veteran leadership and his ability in the faceoff circle, but he showed a scoring touch that he didn't have in previous spots with five goals in 13 games.
However, he suffered an arm injury on March 31st and has been unable to return yet from that injury.
As for Noah Ostlund, he suffered an injury back at the end of March as well, but did return in Game 3 of the series against the Bruins. He would play in two games and had an assist and an empty-net goal in those games.
His return though, was short-lived as he suffered a leg injury in Game 5 and doesn't look to be close to returning either.
Buffalo Sabres have options for replacing both players in their lineup for this next series
The good news for the Sabres is that they have options for replacing both in the next series and, more than likely, will continue with the same lines they had against Boston. That means Josh Norris will remain on the third line between Zach Benson and Josh Doan.
Meanwhile, the fourth line started the series with Josh Dunne as their center for Games 1 and 2 before Tyson Kozak took over for the remaining four. The Sabres probably stick with Kozak until he struggles and the team feels the need to make a change.
The extended break between series gave both Carrick and Ostlund a slightly better chance of returning, but Lindy Ruff seems to be preparing for neither to be available against either the Montreal Canadiens or Tampa Bay Lightning.
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