Jack Eichel is no stranger to winning in Las Vegas. Even when he only contributes two shots in a hockey game, the Vegas Golden Knights still win. It's a charmed life for the former Hobey Baker winner, who's found new life after a tumultuous stay in Buffalo.
Still, he's made a living during his Sabres days torturing other Eastern Conference teams. That includes the New Jersey Devils, where he's put up solid numbers against the Metropolitan Division club. We're talking about nine goals and 13 assists with a +5 in 21 career games against New Jersey.
Suddenly, you're not hearing the Sopranos making jolly, inarticulate noises. But hey, I'm always gonna be a fan of Steve Schirippa and his pig, Pork Chop.
Still, it's a testament to Eichel's overall talent as a player. He has become well-versed in scoring goals against virtually anyone, becoming one of the league's best players (whether some skeptics want to admit it or not).
However, let's delve into those stats further. How well has he done in his Golden Knights career? After all, not many people care about his time with the Sabres, especially since he didn't win a Stanley Cup there.
How has Jack Eichel done against the New Jersey Devils while playing for the Vegas Golden Knights?
That's a good question, dear reader. Eichel has only played six games with the Golden Knights against the Devils in his career. However, the theme remains the same: Eichel has good numbers against New Jersey.
The Golden Knights center has three goals and three assists with a +4 in six career games. In fact, those three goals and three assists have come in the last four games, with his latest performance producing two assists.
Think of Eichel as the proverbial holy water, rinsing the sin away from the Jersey Shore (or mythical creatures with it). He's the man who cleanses the land, making everything heavenly again. Well, almost. Don't tell the people in Buffalo about that because they'll throw their chicken wings in disgust.
However, let's turn back to Eichel's stats, as New Jersey's more relevant here. Those will be at the forefront of Friday's game, given the superstar's past successes. Can he continue building on that momentum and produce another incredible game? He likely will.
If there's one thing that Eichel doesn't normally do, it's go on prolonged scoreless droughts. Even when he had a quieter stretch of scoring five assists in November, his longest drought was two games. Believe it or not, that's the longest drought he's had all season and it happened twice. Therefore, bet on Eichel to produce at least a point on Friday.
Think about this, too. If Eichel emerges strong for the Golden Knights to start the East Coast trip, that could put Vegas in line for a three-game winning streak. That's the type of streak that Vegas has sought throughout the season. Who else but the saintly superstar to scourge the Earth of everything devilish and evil? Hallelujah to that!