No Carrick? Sabres Scramble for 4th-Line Fit

The Buffalo Sabres face a wrinkle with Sam Carrick sidelined, forcing GM Jarmo Kekäläinen to rethink that crucial bottom-six energy spot just as their surge hits full throttle. They've been cooking lately, but losing a gritty vet like Carrick tests the locker room chemistry Kekäläinen fought to preserve at the deadline with adds like Logan Stanley and Luke Schenn. Front offices around the league watch closely, knowing a misstep here could derail Buffalo's first real playoff sniff in years.