Montreal Canadiens - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Could the Sabres change their lineup for Game 1 against the Canadiens?

BUFFALO – Center Sam Carrick has practiced just once since recovering from a left arm injury that sidelined him 13 games. Could the Sabres really insert in the lineup tonight for Game 1 of their second-round series against the Montreal Canadiens?

“We really haven’t put a date on it,” Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said of Carrick’s return. “Tonight could be a possibility.”

In Carrick’s absence in the first-round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs against the ... Read the full article

After career-best regular season, goalie Alex Lyon becomes Sabres’ backbone: ‘Nothing short of sensational’

BUFFALO – It can be easy to forget now. Goalie Alex Lyon just performed dynamically while winning three games and backstopping the Sabres to their first postseason series win in 19 years.

But a few weeks ago, Lyon, 33, was a bit of an afterthought as the Sabres entered the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2011.

In his last three starts of the regular season, he struggled mightily, posting a ghastly 6.24 ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Sam Carrick expected to play in second round versus Canadiens; Konsta Helenius joins practice

BUFFALO – Expect to see center Sam Carrick, who has missed the last 13 games with a left arm injury, play during the Sabres’ second-round series against the Montreal Canadiens.

Carrick on Tuesday practiced for the first time since getting injured in a fight March 31.

“He’s out there right now getting some contact,” Ruff said following Tuesday’s practice. “His fitness levels are good, everything. His return to play, he’s worked really hard ... Read the full article

In Canadiens, ‘resilient’ Sabres face stiff challenge in second round of playoffs

BUFFALO – Having just played his first six postseason games, Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin developed a feel for the demands and rigors of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The media, the ultra-talented defenseman said, blew things up. After the Sabres’ first-round victory over the Boston Bruins, he said he realized the postseason “is just hockey.”

“But the level is a little raised and the compete is raised,” said Dahlin, one of 14 Sabres who made his ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Sam Carrick could return from arm injury in second round; Rasmus Dahlin finalist for Masterton

BUFFALO – Wait a second, center Sam Carrick might be available to Sabres in their second-round series against the Montreal Canadiens after all.

Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said today that Carrick, who has missed the last 13 games after injuring his left arm in a fight March 31, plans to see team doctors today. If everything goes well, he could join his teammates for Tuesday’s practice.

“Which is great news,” Ruff said in KeyBank Center. ... Read the full article

Sabres to face Canadiens in second round of playoffs

The Buffalo Sabres finally have an opponent for their second-round series in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The Montreal Canadiens advanced tonight to face the Sabres by beating the Lightning 2-1 in Tampa Bay in Game 7.

The Sabres and Canadiens have previously met seven times in the playoffs, most recently in 1998. The Sabres have 3-4 postseason series record against the Canadiens.... Read the full article

NHL announces schedule for Sabres’ second-round playoff series

No opponent, no problem. The NHL tonight released the schedule for the Buffalo Sabres’ second-round series in the Stanley Cup Playoffs against either the Montreal Canadiens or Tampa Bay Lightning.

The Canadiens and Lightning play Game 7 of their first-round series Sunday in Tampa Bay.

The Sabres advanced to the second round on Friday for the first time since 2007 by beating the Bruins 4-1 in Game 6 in Boston.... Read the full article

Sabres blow late lead, lose tight game to Canadiens: ‘A matter of inches’

BUFFALO – A high-stakes late-January game in a packed, noisy building. The Sabres have waited for what feels like forever for nights like Saturday.

“We love playing these games,” captain Rasmus Dahlin said after the Sabres’ entertaining 4-2 loss to the Montreal Canadiens ended their five-game win streak. “These are the type of games we want to be in.”

They’re also games the Sabres, who have registered an NHL-best 20-4-1 record since Dec. 9, must ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Josh Norris, Jacob Bryson skate with team; Buffalo might change lineup

BUFFALO – Right now, there’s no firm timeline for Josh Norris to return to the lineup. The oft-injured center participated in this morning’s pregame skate and plans to practice Sunday before the Sabres begin their two-game Florida road trip.

“Just keep evaluating and see where we’re at,” Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said this morning in KeyBank Center.

Ruff said Norris is day to day.... Read the full article

As Sabres join NHL’s elite, belief they can do something special grows

BUFFALO – Talent wasn’t the issue. The Sabres possessed loads of it.

To succeed, they needed to develop a harder, more mature style to complement a skilled roster. They needed to respond to adversity and showcase an identity night in and night out.

Well, for the last seven weeks, they’ve done all of that, joining the ranks of the NHL’s top teams during the stunning 20-3-1 run they carry into Saturday’s game against the Montreal ... Read the full article