Remember when I predicted Jack Eichel breaking the single-season record on January 30? It was supposed to come against the Columbus Blue Jackets at T-Mobile Arena. Well, it didn't go as planned as the Vegas Golden Knights lost in overtime, 2-1. The superstar center didn't get a point that game, either.
In fact, he would wait almost an entire month to break the record set by David Perron. It would come on (what else?) the power play as Hanifin also got an assist. The goal-scorer? Tomas Hertl, who got his 11th power play goal. The team? The Chicago Blackhawks.
"A shot — score! Tomas Hertl!"
— Golden Knights Radio (@VGKRadioNetwork) February 28, 2025
"4-1 Golden Knights!"
🎙 @Dan_DUva
Tomas Hertl cashes in on the power play as the @GoldenKnights grab a three-goal lead. pic.twitter.com/T8tXlXkJF0
Eichel set up Hertl in the high slot for a vintage "fun must be always" goal, extending the Golden Knights lead to 4-1. That goal was also part of a five-goal first period that chased Petr Mrazek out of T-Mobile Arena. It happened to be the four-time All-Star's first point since returning from the 4 Nations Face-Off.
It should come as no surprise that Perron's single-season record would collapse with the 28-year-old's strong season. He had 19 goals and 69 points heading into Thursday's game, boasting an incredible 2024-25 season. But there's more to breaking the single-season assists record. What else is in store? How far can he go in his pursuit for the greatest season in franchise history?
What else is in store for Jack Eichel in 2024-25?
After breaking David Perron's single-season record for most assists in Vegas Golden Knights history, Jack Eichel has his sights set on another record. That would be most single-season points, which is currently held by William Karlsson. The "Original Misfit" set the mark in 2017-18, scoring 78 points. He also has the most goals in a season, scoring 43 that same year.
While Karlsson's mark in the inaugural season sounds nice, it doesn't compare to the mark that the franchise face is trending towards. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, he's set to move past that record. In fact, he's on pace for 98 points. While that falls just shy of making him the first 100-point player in a season for Vegas, it's still an impressive mark.
Remember that he also had a great start to the season, scoring six assists in his first three games. Going one step further, he had 10 points in his first five games. It capped off an incredible October, where he scored three goals and 16 points. Fans will look back at his record-breaking season and point to the first month as the point where it all started.
Will we see Eichel break the 100-point mark this season? Well, it'll be a close call. As mentioned, his current projection (according to ESPN) heading into Thursday's game was 98. He would fall two points short of the mark and making history. However, hot streaks do happen in the NHL. Just look at his month of October as a shining example.
That's why you should never count out an elite player. They can explode for a blazing-hot streak that propels their team to the Stanley Cup Final. Of course, that's nothing new for Golden Knights fans. They've watched their franchise player evolve into a whole new beast.