The Sabres were shut out in two straight losses without Eichel, bringing their scoreless streak to three games. The conversation following a 5-0 loss to Pittsburgh on Thursday night centered on the need for more presence at the net-front, and it was the focus once again on Friday morning.
"We looked at it today, we went over it," coach Phil Housley said. "It's off our rush game with a middle-lane drive and a backside presence and just getting pucks to the net. And, once the puck's there, stopping there and trying to find second and third opportunities. We're gonna continue to work on it."
Eichel's presence should help the in the scoring department. He leads the team with 72 points and has recorded at least a point in 16 of 20 games dating back to the All-Star break. He might also help Skinner, who's mired in a 13-game goal drought despite leading the team with 38 scoring chances in that span, according to NaturalStatTrick.com.
"He's had a lot of opportunities," Eichel said. "He hits a couple crossbars the other night, he's been around the net, he's had his chances which is good. When you're not getting chances is when you start to worry."
With 12 games remaining and as many points separating the Sabres from a playoff spot, the deficit in the standings seems all but insurmountable. Eichel said that shouldn't affect the way they play in this final stretch, with personal pride on the line.
"I think we just compete every game because we're competitors," he said. "I think that's the biggest thing. I think everyone has something to play for here. The season's not over. We've got a big game tomorrow night against a team that's trying to get into the playoffs.
"We can play spoiler, we can play whatever you want to call it, but this is about pride. This is about playing for the logo, playing for the guy next to you. I think that's what's most important."
