Buffalo Sabres: Jack Eichel’s Influence Clear to See
By Paul Taylor
Jack Eichel shows the Buffalo Sabres and their fans what they’ve been missing while he’s been out, while also evolving into the leader they need him to be.
There’s no denying the Buffalo Sabres missed Jack Eichel, with the statistical impact being particularly evident. While he was out, the Sabres had a record of 7-9-5 in 21 games, scoring 39 goals and registering 19 points.
In the nine games played since Eichel returned, the team has a record of 5-2-2, with 27 goals and 12 points. Prorated over the course of the season, the stat lines with (A) and without (B) the 20-year old are as follows:
- A) 109 points and 246 goals
- B) 74 points and 152 goals
Now of course, nine games is a small sample size, but Eichel’s impact is still evident. In fact, in some respects, it’s a case of how he goes, so does the team.
Consider that in the four games the 2015 second overall draft pick has recorded points, the Sabres have won on every occasion. In the five games when he has failed to register any points, they are 1-2-2.
Speaking to WGR550’s Paul Hamilton ahead of Tuesday’s game against the Florida Panthers, Eichel discussed how he has regained his awareness since returning: “In my hands, in your feel for the game, just your understanding of plays.”
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It also helps that the North Chelmsford, Massachusetts native is gaining more confidence in his ankle: “I’m just feeling a little more comfortable lately with my ankle.
“I mean just coming back in the beginning I felt good, but you’re not where you want to be right away. (However), I think I’ve been starting to feel a lot better in the last few games and been able to use my speed a little more and create more off the rush.”
It seems worth pointing out that it’s not all about offense where Eichel is concerned, as he continues to improve his defensive skills, in turn benefiting the team as a whole. A prime example of this came in just his second game back, against the New York Rangers.
With time winding down, the Sabres were desperately clinging onto a one-goal lead, as the Rangers amped up the pressure. The center then stepped up, winning a battle along the wall and clearing the puck into the neutral zone to clinch the 4-3 win.
Turning back to Eichel’s statistical impact — while again noting we’re only talking about nine games — there are other areas where he has improved from his rookie campaign. These include the much debated plus/minus rating (-16 to +2), his shooting percentage (10.1 to 16.1) and faceoff wins at full strength (41 percent to 42 percent).
Sabres’ coach Dan Bylsma admits he has been impressed with the youngster, as he told Hamilton: “Game one and two were pretty spectacular from having been off a long time.
“You saw some effects of getting back and playing. I think in six through 10, I’ve seen him get a bigger jump and in skating stride.”
One area where Eichel’s impact may not have been as obvious is an extremely important facet, especially for a franchise player – his leadership. Bylsma expanded on this.
Bylsma said: “What you don’t get to see is his intensity on the bench and he’s right now one of the guys that’s leading on the bench and his words and his demeanor. That’s something he’s been pretty consistent with and he’s trying to go on the ice and do it with his play as well.”
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What’s your impression of Eichel, since he returned to the lineup? Is there anything in particular, you think the Sabres missed while he was absent? Share your thoughts in the comments section.