Sabres’ Sam Carrick, ahead of schedule, returns to practice before Round 2

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Buffalo Sabres coach Lindy Ruff initially thought Sam Carrick wouldn’t be able to play in the team’s second-round series against the Montreal Canadiens, but the veteran forward surprised him.After Ruff said on Sunday that Carrick wouldn’t play in this series, Carrick said he was further along than expected. He visited with the doctors on Monday, and on Tuesday, he was back on the ice practicing with the team for the first time since injuring his arm on March 31. Against the Islanders that night, Carrick fought Anders Lee after a questionable hit on Josh Norris. At the end of the fight, Carrick’s arm got twisted. Carrick called it a “freak accident.” He didn’t break any bones and didn’t injure his shoulder.Advertisement