TORONTO – The flu will force Buffalo Sabres rookie Jack Eichel to miss his first NHL game tonight, coach Dan Bylsma said.
To replace the center against the Toronto Maple Leafs tonight, the Sabres have recalled rookie winger Dan Catenacci from the Rochester Americans. Cal O’Reilly will move to center, Bylsma said.
Eichel, 19, finished Friday’s 3-1 home win against the Ottawa Senators, recording as assist, his 49th point.
“It didn’t come on until early morning this morning,” Bylsma said inside the Air Canada Centre.
Eichel was feeling OK, Bylsma said, but he “took a turn for the flu worse” this afternoon.
In other news, defenseman Carlo Colaiacovo will return from a one-game absence. Goalie Chad Johnson, who has won five straight starts, will go again.
Some other quick notes:
– Bylsma said the Sabres have no plans for goalie Robin Lehner, who aggravated his high ankle sprain twice recently, to undergo surgery.
“Just rest and rehab right now and strengthening,” he said.
– Tonight is the 200th all-time meeting between the longtime rivals. Buffalo is 110-63-26.
– The home team has won 20 of last 23 games.