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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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Sep 25, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Buffalo Sabres goaltender Robin Lehner (40) against Toronto Maple Leafs in the second period at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Peter Llewellyn-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Buffalo Sabres goaltender Robin Lehner (40) against Toronto Maple Leafs in the second period at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Peter Llewellyn-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Robin Lehner Can Prove His Worth

The Sabres made a risky move this offseason, deciding to go with Robin Lehner as their starting netminder. They let Chad Johnson go, and acquired Anders Nilsson as their back-up guy. While this tandem doesn’t seem Vezina-worthy, it’s a solid pairing, and Lehner will be able to prove his worth as a starting netminder.

The 6-foot-5, 240-pound netminder possesses a huge frame, and put up decent stats last season. In 21-starts with Buffalo, Lehner went 5-9-5, posting a 2.47 GAA and .924 save percentage. He possesses great speed between the pipes, as well as plenty of confidence. In the end, he will definitely work hard to keep his starting spot, and will do anything to help his team win.

In Eichel’s absence, the team loses a great center, and will need to rely on every single player to step up in order to win. Lehner’s skill alone can help him achieve great feats. He will be a huge factor in proving this team can win without their star.

1. Sam Reinhart is an Asset

Thankfully for Buffalo, they have plenty of young players looking to prove themselves. With Eichel out, they can finally get that chance to step up and make things happen for Buffalo.

One of these players is Reinhart, a breakout young star who can help carry this team. He originally was a centre, but had to transition to the wing. Now, he can possibly return to the faceoff dot.

He spent plenty of time with Eichel and O’Reilly, and was second on the team in goals (23) and third in scoring (42) last year. With his work ethic, the 2014 second-overall pick can slot in for Eichel, and has the potentially to not only prove himself as a worthy replacement, but an upgrade.

Coming off a successful 2015-16 campaign, expect Reinhart to step up and make even greater strides forward in Eichel’s absence.

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