Jack Eichel has missed the last two games. ©2021, Micheline Veluvolu

Jack Eichel to be game-time decision; Sabres make roster moves

BUFFALO – Sabres captain Jack Eichel will skate in this afternoon’s warm-up and be a game-time decision, coach Ralph Krueger said.

A lower-body injury has sidelined Eichel the last two games. Krueger said 13 forwards will warm up before the Sabres play the Philadelphia Flyers at KeyBank Center.

Update: Eichel will play this afternoon. Rookie winger Dylan Cozen will be scratched.

In other lineup news, Krueger said Jonas Johansson will start in goal, his first nod this season. Johansson, 25, played one period in relief of Carter Hutton on Jan. 19.

Johansson played his first six NHL games last season, compiling a 1-3-1 record with a 2.94 goals-against average and an .894 save percentage.

The Swede hasn’t started a game since March 11 with the Rochester Americans. He made his last NHL start March 5.

Hutton started Saturday afternoon’s 3-0 loss to the Flyers. A lower-body injury will sideline No. 1 goalie Linus Ullmark at least one month.

Meanwhile, Krueger said defensemen Brandon Davidson, who was recalled from the taxi squad this afternoon, and Matt Irwin will move into the lineup today. To make room, the Sabres will scratch Colin Miller for the first time this season. Rookie Jacob Bryson, meanwhile, was sent back to the taxi squad.

“It’s not for any reason other than some fresh energy into the D corps,” Krueger said on a Zoom call of the scratches.

The Sabres also recalled forward C.J. Smith from Rochester to the taxi squad and sent defenseman Casey Fitzgerald from the taxi squad to the AHL.

3 thoughts on “Jack Eichel to be game-time decision; Sabres make roster moves”

  1. These are the greatest moves in the history of the Sabres and guarantee success. It just seems a matter of time before there is a coaching change and then a new general manager. Shocking developments.

  2. Even I as a life long Canadiens fan, I can’t help but feel for the fan base of the Sabres who may have been cursed with one of the worst owners in the sport ever, who can’t help but completely mismanaged a team in one of the best markets of our NHL family! My heart goes out to the fans and players who are still trying.
    Hope it turns around for you all next season, definitely deserve better!!

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