Sabres F Sam Carrick (arm) could practice on Tuesday

Buffalo Sabres forward Sam Carrick is ahead of schedule in his recovery from a left arm injury and could return to practice on Tuesday.

Carrick, 34, initially was expected to miss the Eastern Conference second-round playoff series against the Montreal Canadiens. The best-of-seven set begins Wednesday night in Buffalo.

"(He's) going to see our doctors today and thinks he's further along than maybe I portrayed yesterday," Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said Monday. "So, with good news, he could join our team back in practice tomorrow...