Sabres Week Ahead: Schedule & Storylines – Series vs Canadiens Continues & Much More - The Hockey Writers - Buffalo Sabres

2nd-Round Series Against Canadiens Continues
Injury Updates
Sabres’ Upcoming Schedule

Here is the latest news and updates around the Buffalo Sabres and their schedule for the week of May 11 – May 18, 2026.

2nd-Round Series Against Canadiens Continues

The Sabres kicked off their second-round matchup against the Montreal Canadiens last Wednesday. The Sabres won Game 1 but are now down 2-1 in the series after the Canadiens won Games 2 and 3, outscoring the Sabres 11-3.

The Sabres head into Game 4 understanding the weight of the moment. Dropping Game 4 would put them in a hole that’s historically difficult to overcome, especially in a building as loud and hostile as the Bell Centre.

Buffalo isn’t just trying to even the series; they’re fighting to control their season, maintain momentum, and avoid giving the Canadiens a stranglehold on the path to the Eastern Conference Final. Game 4 will reveal the team’s backbone, and the Sabres need to be at their best on Tuesday in Montreal.

Injury Updates

Sam Carrick, who has been out since March 31, returned to the lineup in Game 3 vs the Canadiens on Sunday night.

Noah Ostlund has been sidelined with a lower-body injury since Game 5 in Round 1 versus the Ottawa Senators and is expected to miss at least the rest of Round 2.

Jiri Kulich has missed most of the season due to a blood clot that was made public on Nov. 10. He has continued non-contact skating; however, he is expected to miss the remainder of the season.

Justin Danforth exited the Oct. 15 win against the Senators with a lower-body injury – later announced to be a broken kneecap – after blocking a shot. He had surgery to repair the injury and began skating on his own in early January. He is currently skating “on and off” as he continues to deal with pain related to the injury.