Buffalo Sabres forward Sam Carrick is dealing with an unusual hockey injury that did not involve a broken bone. His recovery timeline is estimated to be between four to eight weeks, though coach Lindy Ruff indicated he is close to returning to the lineup, possibly within days. Carrick has already been seen practicing on the ice.
Additionally, Sabres forward Noah Ostlund will miss the second round due to a lower-body injury.
For the Carolina Hurricanes, defenseman Alexander Nikishin has been cleared by concussion protocol and is available to play. Coach Rod Brind’Amour mentioned that Nikishin has had a couple of productive practices and could be an option if he feels fully ready.
Dallas Stars forward Roope Hintz revealed he tore his hamstring in two places and experienced a setback in his recovery. This injury was not typical, making it difficult to expedite the healing process. Hintz confirmed the injury occurred during a battle along the boards with Nathan MacKinnon of the Avalanche.
The Minnesota Wild are facing lower-body injuries for both defenseman Jonas Brodin and forward Joel Eriksson Ek, who have missed the initial two games of their second-round series. Both players will be reassessed before Saturday’s game.
Tampa Bay Lightning General Manager Julien BriseBois stated that forward Pontus Holmberg fractured his clavicle after hitting the penalty box door in Buffalo. Apart from these specific cases, no other significant playoff injuries have been reported, and there’s no indication of players requiring offseason surgery.
One unnamed player is currently undergoing evaluation for an injury.
Injury Updates in English:
Matthew Fairburn: Buffalo Sabres forward Sam Carrick commented on having an uncommon hockey injury, stating no bones were broken. His recovery was projected to be either four to six weeks or six to eight weeks. Coach Lindy Ruff mentioned Carrick is only days away from returning to the lineup.
- Matthew Fairburn: Carrick was back on the ice at practice yesterday.
Rachel Lenzi: Sabres forward Noah Ostlund is out for the second round with a lower-body injury.
Walt Ruff: Carolina Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour said that defenseman Alexander Nikishin has been cleared from concussion protocol and is cleared to play.
The Hurricanes practice on Wednesday and then play Thursday night.
Kurt Dusterberg: Brind’Amour said that they’ve been cautious with Nikishkin, that he’s been practicing, and could be an option.
“He had a couple good practices. If he gives us the green light, then that gives us the option to put him in for sure.”
Taylor Baird: Dallas Stars forward Roope Hintz said that he tore his hamstring in two spots and that he had a setback in his recovery. It wasn’t a typical injury, so there wasn’t a lot that could be done to speed up the recovery. Hintz confirmed that the injury happened when he was battling with Avs Nathan MacKinnon along the boards.
Tracey Myers of NHL.com: Minnesota Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin and forward Joel Eriksson Ek have missed the first two games of round two with lower-body injuries. Both will be re-evaluated before Saturday’s game.
Erik Erlendsson: Tampa Bay Lightning GM Julien BriseBois said that forward Pontus Holmberg broke his clavicle when he hit the penalty box door in Buffalo.
There were no other injury issues during the playoffs, and there has been no indication that anyone will need a procedure or surgery this offseason.
There is one unnamed player, though, who is being evaluated.