Jack Eichel Scores Hat-Trick in Buffalo, Gestures to Fans 'Are You Not Entertained?'
When the Buffalo Sabres traded Jack Eichel, it may have been exactly what the club needed to move on from one of the darkest epochs in club history. It wasn't because Eichel isn't a winner, but because the composition of their team needed a refresh.
And a refresh is exactly what they got in return. By sending Eichel to Vegas, Buffalo received Alex Tuch, Peyton Krebs and two draft picks; a first and a second. This return allowed the Sabres to quickly restock their shelves despite sending off a potentially franchise player.
In Eichel's return to Buffalo, he got booed; badly. His post-game response was standoffish, to say the least:
Earlier today ahead of the Golden Knights' game in Buffalo, Eichel was asked about that day and how he looks back on it. His maturity is evident, as he has had time to process last season's events:
Eichel said, "It was maybe a little bit surprising. I don't know why. I probably shouldn't have been last year, but I was maybe a little bit surprised by the reception. I'm just like anyone else. I'm a human being. It was emotional for me like it probably was for them. Maybe I was a little bit hurt. That's probably why I said the things I said. Listen, that's all in the past now. I'm not going to sit here and say, 'I wish I didn't say it.' I just don't think there's enough time for that. What happened happened. It's in the past. I'm trying to just focus on the present and we have a big game tonight. That's what I'm worried about."
Well, a big game is indeed what he had tonight. All told, Eichel scored three goals and an assist in the Golden Knights 7-4 win in Buffalo. Fans booed him the whole time, but nothing was wiping the smile off of Eichel's face tonight.
The celebration on this one looked pretty familiar...
While the Eichel trade had to happen - for everyone involved - Buffalo has to resent sending him off, at least a little bit. So far in 15 games this season, Eichel has 9 goals and 10 assists with a +13 rating and a 66.53 xGF%; 6th best in the NHL among players with 100+ minutes TOI (NST).
The Sabres have fared well to start the season, but the Vegas Golden Knights are sitting atop the NHL's standings with 26 points. Eichel has led the charge, with his former team being his new team's latest victim.
Are the Vegas Golden Knights - under Bruce Cassidy - a favorite for the Stanley Cup?
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 10 | 164 ANSWERS Jack Eichel Scores Hat-Trick in Buffalo, Gestures to Fans 'Are You Not Entertained?' Are the Vegas Golden Knights a top-favorite to win the Cup? | ||
| Yes, definitely | 57 | 34.8 % |
| Maybe | 52 | 31.7 % |
| No way | 55 | 33.5 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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