The Buffalo Sabres won their first game in three weeks on Saturday, February 20. The team bested the New Jersey Devils in a 3-2 victory in a Saturday matinee. Prior to this game, the Sabres were 0-4 in their last four games stretching all the way back to January 30. The Sabres were finally able to find a way to produce offense after several lack luster performances. Collin Miller opened the scoring, followed by a two goal second period for Sam Reinhart.
Photo courtesy of the Buffalo Sabres Instagram
Another notable event in Saturdays game was the injury to Sabres defenseman Jake McCabe. McCabe, 27, has become a large part of the Sabres defensive core this season. After missing the first two games following the COVID outbreak, McCabe was playing a key role in the absence of Rasmus Ristolainen. During the game McCabe suffered a lower body injury. The injury was later announced to have severely injured McCabe’s knee including his ACL, MCL and meniscus. The injury will put McCabe out for six to eight months and is detrimental to a team desperately searching for success.
Following the Sabres win against New Jersey, Sabres fans are still feeling restless with the status of their captain. Eichel is currently under contract with the team until the 2026/27 season. At an average annual value of ten million dollars, success is expected from the young captain. The team has not made the playoffs since the arrival of Captain Jack Eichel. Since arriving in 2015, Eichel has produced at a high level but has lacked the counterparts needed to be a top team. Furthermore, as Eichel approaches his 7th season in the National Hockey League, it is no surprise that he is sick of losing.
However, because Eichel remains under contract, his only way out would be via trade. A trade of this magnitude is uncommon in the National Hockey League. In addition, there is very few assets in the league comparable to the skill level of Eichel. Buffalo must find success in rapid fashion to debunk the rumor of any potential trades involving their captain.
Following the Sabres first win in three weeks they are set to play the New York Islanders on Monday, February 22. This will be the two clubs third meeting of the season, a meeting that has yet to favor the Sabres. Following a trip to Long Island, the Sabres will return to New Jersey to take on Lindy Ruff and the Devils yet again. The same questions lie for both of these contests. The first being will the Sabres be able to carry over their new found offensive production. The second being the status of star defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen. Ristolainen has yet to return since the teams Covid outbreak. The Finnish defenseman has also been rather public about his battle with the Covid-19 virus. Ristolainen admitted that he showed sever symptoms and was at times scared for his well being. The Sabres have not put a return date on Ristolainen but his absence is evident during play.
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