Islanders' Boychuk misses hit on Sabres' Eichel, placed on injured reserve

The New York Islanders began the new calendar year on Friday by placing veteran defenseman Johnny Boychuk on injured reserve.

Boychuk suffered an upper-body injury when he attempted to check Buffalo Sabres rookie Jack Eichel and collided into the boards with 4 1/2 minutes to play in New York's 2-1 victory on Thursday. Coach Jack Capuano initially told Newsday following the game that the 31-year-old Boychuk was "day-to-day" after the veteran skated off on his own.

Boychuk has collected three goals and 11 assists in 38 contests this season for the Islanders, who return to the ice Saturday to visit the Metropolitan Division-rival Pittsburgh Penguins.

Fellow defenseman Adam Pelech was recalled from Bridgeport of the American Hockey League on Friday. The 21-year-old Toronto native was held without a point in two contests with the Islanders earlier this season.

#Isles Transaction: Johnny Boychuk placed on the team's IR list (upper body). Time frame not released until he sees team doctors next week.
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) January 1, 2016

Boychuk slammed into the boards hitting his left shoulder really hard. #isles
— Shannon Hogan (@Shannon_Hogan) January 1, 2016

#Isles Transaction: Adam Pelech has been recalled on loan from Bridgeport.
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) January 1, 2016