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Jack Eichel injury: 5 reasons Buffalo Sabres can win without him

By Sammi Silber

Sep 21, 2015; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Buffalo Sabres forward Jack Eichel (41) scores a goal during the third period against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. The Sabres defeated the Wild 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 21, 2015; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Buffalo Sabres forward Jack Eichel (41) scores a goal during the third period against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. The Sabres defeated the Wild 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 10, 2015; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen (55) celebrates his goal against the Calgary Flames during the third period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Calgary Flames won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 10, 2015; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen (55) celebrates his goal against the Calgary Flames during the third period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Calgary Flames won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Sabres’ Defense Can Produce

One of Eichel’s top qualities is his ability to play a strong two-way game and put up points. In his absence, the Sabres will have to perform well on the backcheck and prove they can fare well defensively without him. Thankfully, the Sabres possess strong defensive corps that can not only backcheck, but can score.

Obviously, newest acquisition Dmitry Kulikov will dominate on the top pariing, since he is a solid defenseman who plays a smart game and possesses a big frame. Not to mention, his point shot is highly underestimated, and he can develop offensive skills on a top pairing with Ristolainen, a proven puckmover.

While the defensive corps aren’t too deep, the top-pairing definitely looks a lot better and can not only backcheck, but provide opportunities on offense. Even Zach Bogosian can put up points, but still needs to improve defensively. In the end, they can and likely will step up in Eichel’s absence.

3. Dan Bylsma Can Lead the Way

Head Coach Dan Bylsma has been a solid coach for Buffalo so far, and brought up their performance over the last year. In 2015-16, Buffalo finished the year with 81 points, as opposed to 54 points in the previous year.

A great leader and former Penguins coach, Bylsma knows how to compensate for injury. After evaluating Eichel, Bylsma can help the younger guys step up and take his place, and also arrange the lineup in order to accomodate for Eichel’s absence.

In the end, he thrives when it comes to helping improve offense, and given the offensive depth the team has with Reinhart, Eichel and O’Reilly, Bylsma has plenty of players to choose from. With him leading the way, the Sabres can surely rely on their head coach to help them when it comes to filling the gap in their lineup.

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