Eichel fashioned an assist and five shots in Tuesday's 5-4 win over the Blue Jackets.

EDGE Analysis

Eichel picked up where he left off ahead of the All-Star break, extending his point streak to three games with a goal and three helpers over that span. Best of all, he doesn't seem to be in any way limited by the upper-body injury that kept him from competing in three games earlier this month.

Eichel scored the deciding goal Wednesday in a 4-3 overtime win versus the Flames.

EDGE Analysis

On top of scoring the game winner, Eichel picked up an assist on Rasmus Dahlin's goal. The two points were Eichel's first in his last six appearances. Despite the recent cold stretch, the Sabres' captain now has 16 goals and 51 points in 44 games. More often than not, Eichel is going to find the scoresheet.

Eichel (upper body) has been activated from injured reserve ahead of Friday's game with Carolina.

EDGE Analysis

Eichel was on a line with Jeff Skinner and Tage Thompson during Friday morning's practice, and being removed from injured reserve indicates Eichel is finally ready to return. He's missed the past three games, but can get back to anchoring the top line, and add to the 49 points he's complied thus far.

Eichel (upper body) has declared that he is '100 percent' for Friday's road game against the Hurricanes.

EDGE Analysis

One day after participating in a high-tempo practice, Eichel reportedly was on the ice Friday morning, occupying his normal spot on the top line with Jeff Skinner and Tage Thompson. The next step is for the Sabres to officially activate Eichel from injured reserve -- it appears that such a move is imminent.

Eichel (upper body) looked good in practice Thursday, but Sabres coach Phil Housley wouldn't say for certain that the star pivot would be in the lineup versus the Hurricanes on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

It appears that Housley is taking a wait-and-see approach with Eichel, who has missed the last three games. According to Brayton J. Wilson of WGR 550, the fourth-year skater impressed the coach in the latest high-tempo practice, but he'll still be reevaluated ahead of the next game.

Eichel has been designated for injured reserve, per the NHL media site.

EDGE Analysis

Eichel's placement on injured reserve could be an indication that Zemgus Girgensons (upper body) is ready to play against the Devils on Tuesday. For Eichel, the designation should have no impact on his timeline, as he can still be activated prior to Friday's clash with Carolina, assuming the Sabres utilized retroactive injured reserve which is probably a safe bet.

Eichel (upper body) will not be in the lineup against the Devils on Tuesday, per Paul Hamilton of WGR Sports Radio 550.

EDGE Analysis

Eichel did join the team on the ice for the game-day skate, but didn't take part in line rushes then stayed on late for extra work. Despite his absence Tuesday, it appears the all-star center is trending in the right direction and could be available versus Carolina on Friday.

Eichel (upper body) is expected to sit out Tuesday evening against the Devils since he joined the extras at morning skate, Lance Lysowski of The Buffalo News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Eichel reportedly synched up with Sam Reinhart (illness) and Scott Wilson (ankle) as a not-so-subtle sign that he'll miss a third consecutive game. Buffalo's premier center is being monitored closely, and he's not on injured reserve, so practice patience with him if at all possible.

Eichel (upper body) was on the ice for morning skate Tuesday, Mike Harrington of The Buffalo News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Eichel was a late addition to the a.m. session, making this the second consecutive day that he has been on the ice for either a practice or morning skate. The Sabres will take on the Devils at home later in the evening, so we will circle back once the team divulges more information on the star center.

Eichel (upper body) could be in the lineup Thursday against the Devils.

EDGE Analysis

The team plans to make a decision on Eichel's status tomorrow, so his owners will need to wait and see what they decide. The 22-year-old has sat out Buffalo's past two contests with an upper-body injury. Be sure to insert Eichel back into your lineup as soon as he's given the green light to return. In 40 games, the Sabres' captain has scored 15 goals and posted 49 points.