Sabres’ Jack Eichel leaves game vs. Islanders with upper-body injury

Buffalo Sabres forward Jack Eichel. (Jeffrey T. Barnes/AP)

BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Buffalo Sabres say captain Jack Eichel went to the dressing room in the first period of Monday’s game against the New York Islanders and will not return because of an upper-body injury.

Eichel was designated as a game-time decision by coach Phil Housley following Buffalo’s morning skate. But the centre started and played four shifts totalling 2:42 in the first period. Eichel also sat out Sunday’s practice.

Vladimir Sobotka moved up from the third line to replace Eichel.

Eichel has played in all 39 of the Sabres’ games this season and entered Monday’s game tied for ninth in the NHL with 49 points.

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