Sabres News: Zach Benson update, Jack Eichel, Buffalo's points pace

Although legitimate hurdles remain, the Buffalo Sabres continue to pace toward skating in the NHL's Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2011.

Buffalo Sabres winger Zach Benson | Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn ImagesThe Buffalo Sabres are set to open a key back-to-back road set against the Atlantic Division rival Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning on Friday. They'll attempt to at least replicate the three points they earned during the same Sunshine State trip prior to the NHL's Olympic break.

Buffalo remains in control of its own playoff destiny in the Eastern Conference with 24 games remaining thanks to its 33-19-6 record (72 points). That's five points clear of the first team…