Sabres' Ryan O'Reilly: Expected to play Friday

O'Reilly (upper body) told reporters he would be back in the lineup Friday against the Devils, Paul Hamilton of WGR Sports Radio 550 reports.

Analysis:

O'Reilly missed just one game with this upper-body ailment but his return should provide a boost for the injury-ravaged Sabres. When healthy this year, the center has notched four goals and four assists, yet has been held off the scoresheet in his last three outings. The 25-year-old figures to be back on Buffalo's top power-play unit, which serves to increase his fantasy value.