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Eichel, Reinhart are Sabres' 1st 20-goal rookie duo in over 40 years

Bill Wippert / National Hockey League / Getty

The Buffalo Sabres don't have a playoff run to prepare for, but they should have plenty to be excited about in the future.

Sam Reinhart netted his 20th goal of the season Friday night against the Ottawa Senators, giving the franchise its first duo of rookie 20-goal scorers since 1974-75.

Jack Eichel entered the game with a team-leading 22 goals, ranking second on the Sabres with 48 points and sixth on the club in average time-on-ice at 19:09.

The Sabres now have two rookies with 35 points in a season for the first time since 1987-88, when that feat was accomplished by three players - Pierre Turgeon, Ray Sheppard, and Calle Johansson.

Reinhart came into the contest tied with Evander Kane for second on the team in goals and ranking fourth in points.

Eichel was selected second overall in the 2015 draft, and Reinhart was chosen with the same pick in 2014.

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