Sabres Daily: Tkachuk Rocks Eichel; Will Sharks Pass on Michkov?

One of the concerns when the Buffalo Sabres dealt Jack Eichel in November 2021 was the possibility that after undergoing what was described to be an experimental surgery to repair herniated disks in his neck, the former captain would be more susceptible to injury.

That was put to the test in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final on Monday when Eichel was rocked by an open-ice hit by Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk late in the second period. Eichel saw the hit coming very late and Tkachuk was able to avoid any head contact, but the force of it sent the Golden Knights center to the dressing room.

Jack Eichel heads to the dressing room following this hit from Matthew Tkachuk. pic.twitter.com/yK2lVWZTCE

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) June 6, 2023

“I kind of toe-picked a little bit. I saw it at the last minute. He finished what I saw was a clean check on me,” Eichel said after the game. “It’s a physical game sometimes, you just move on.”

Eichel returned for the third period and assisted on linemate Jonathan Marchessault’s second goal in the Golden Knights’ 7-2 victory. They are up 2-0 in the best-of-seven series.

Sabres In Case You Missed It

• Savoie Will Play For Amerks In Calder Cup Playoffs
• Eichel Inches Closer To Cup Final
• Okposo Coming Back To Complete Unfinished Business
• Bears Even Series With Americans
• Sabres Sign Ryan Johnson To Two-Year Deal
• Amerks Collapse Late, Trail Bears 3-1 In Eastern Final
• Sabres Building Future On The Returns Of Past Failures
• Mock Drafts Have Sabres Taking American Prospects at #13
• Could Hellebuyck Be Solution To Sabres Goalie Issues?
• Sabres Looking To Peterka To Step Up After Worlds Performance

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