The Sabres are in Ottawa for a 7:30 p.m. faceoff against the Senators tonight. Our TOPS Gamenight pregame show starts at 7 p.m. on MSG and you can also listen to the game live on WGR 550.
Eichel, who sprained his ankle in practice on the day before the season opener, traveled with the team to Ottawa. He'll take the morning skate today and if that goes as expected, he'll be in the lineup tonight for the first time this year.
From yesterday's Ice Level Practice Report:
Sabres coach Dan Bylsma said there is "a possibility" that Eichel can play on Tuesday, but added that it depends on how his body responds to another day of practice. The fact that he was on the ice following a physical practice day on Sunday was a positive sign.
"Jack looks good on the ice," Bylsma said. "I thought yesterday was a bigger test for him … He responded well to it, came back this morning feeling good about it and today he looks real good, his skating's good, he's beating guys, stepping off guys, creating room and separation. Looks good to me."
Video: BYLSMA: After Practice
As the clock ticks closer to his potential return, Eichel hopes he won't have to stay patient much longer.
"This is the toughest part, right? I mean, you've sat out for as long as you've have and now that you're getting this close to it, you feel like you can go any day now and the patience is starting to wear thin," Eichel said. "But you've got to make sure you're being smart."