As was expected, as well as what was assumed for last night, Jack Eichel was a shining star for the Buffalo Sabres against the Minnesota Wild. His performance was everything that was expected of him and more. Fans of the Sabres were not able to watch the game live, but per the calls on WGR radio, there were a number of things that were deliberately apparent with Jack Eichel last night.
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The first thing that was very evident from Jack Eichel last night was his command while he was on the ice. As the first line center of the night he was given the responsibilities of one; to maintain offensive pressure, be defensively responsible, and to direct his line mates to where they need to be on the ice. Every single one of those facets were seen from Jack Eichel during last night’s game.
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Jack Eichel had full control of what was happening while he was on the ice. He was pressuring the opposing defense to offset them and allow his teammate to score (Matt Moulson scored the tying goal of the game, which Eichel assisted on). He was found back checking in his own zone well enough to be on the penalty kill, which ultimately paid off for the Sabres. Eichel was the man doing everything, and he seemed to be doing a fantastic job of it.
The second apparent aspect of Jack Eichel’s game last night was his finishing ability. The entire night, he was driving hard to the net and creating scoring chances. By the end of it all, Eichel finished the night with 2 points (1 goal and 1 assist). His assist was had off of Matt Moulson’s goal, and the goal that he scored was the game winner; shorthanded as well! Eichel was the guy doing everything out on the ice, and he showed off some of his keen finishing ability.
His strength in both zones is the third most apparent aspect of his game from last night. Eichel was putting pressure on everyone and anyone that was near him. He was out there making a difference, regardless of which zone he was in. He was the ultimate game changer for the Buffalo Sabres last night.
So what do these first signs tell us about Jack Eichel on an elementary level? These signs tell us that he is not just ready for the NHL, but he has the ability to play in the top six. Jack is the kind of difference maker that has been lacking on the Buffalo Sabres roster since Chris Drury (him being the most recent difference maker) and he is more than capable of handling himself in the top six.
As far as first games go, this could not have gone too much better for Eichel. He did everything he needed to, and was the eventual difference maker. That kind of skill will bode well for the Sabres in the near future. I have no doubt.
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