Jack Eichel Is Playing His Best Hockey At An Important Time For The Golden Knights
Jack Eichel has been incredibly consistent for the Vegas Golden Knights this season and has brought his game to a new level over this last stretch of games when the team has needed it most.
Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports - Jack Eichel Is Playing His Best Hockey At An Important Time For The Golden KnightsJack Eichel has been incredibly consistent for the Vegas Golden Knights this season and has brought his game to a new level over this last stretch of games when the team has needed it most.
His two-way game mixed with his production staying over a point per game has been crucial to the Golden Knights' success. When he went down with his knee injury, the team struggled to string consistent performances. Even though the Golden Knights still aren't playing their best brand of hockey, Eichel has brought stability back into the lineup and has elevated his game.
The 27-year-old is playing over 20 minutes a night and in the 50 games he's played this season he's scored 22 goals and 53 points. Despite missing 19 games, Eichel is second on the team in points and third on the team in goals.
His first two games after returning to the lineup were back-to-back losses where he failed to record a point. But since then he's recorded at least one point in five of the next six games. In those six games, he has three goals and nine points. The Golden Knights also have a 4-2-0 record in those games.
The timing of Eichel's goal also plays a factor in how important his return to the lineup has been. His first goal after returning was against the Seattle Kraken and it was an overtime winner. He also had an assist on the game-tying goal by Jonathan Marchessault.
His next goal came against the New Jersey Devils. With the score tied at one halfway through the third period, Eichel walked up the middle of the ice and ripped a wrist shot to give the Golden Knights the lead.
His most recent goal wasn't a game-winner but it broke the ice against the Kraken in the first period. The Golden Knights had been outplaying the Kraken and Eichel was finally able to get the Golden Knights on the board.
Marchessault won the Conn Smythe last season but Eichel could have easily been given the award. He was the league leader in points during the playoffs and outdueled Connor McDavid in the second round of the playoffs.
The American-born forward is a volume shooter, sitting fifth in the league in shots on goal per game. Only Nathan MacKinnon, David Pastrnak, Jack Hughes and Brady Tkachuk average more shots on goal per game. Eichel is also one spot ahead of Auston Matthews.
The Golden Knights still have a chance of attaining home-ice advantage in the first round but need to pile consecutive wins together. If Eichel's play continues or takes another step, they may be able to grab it.
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