Sabres C Connolly close to returningSource: AP ‘Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said Monday that he’s “optimistic about him practicing and possibly playing” when the playoff series begins Thursday.’ Related posts: Sabres' Afinogenov, Connolly close to returning Tallinder close to returning Defensemen are close to returning Connolly pain-free; Spacek close to returning Sabres' Rasmussen out for Game 3