Patrick Mahomes is one of the most polarizing figures in the NFL. On one hand, you have a three-time Super Bowl champion, a three-time Super Bowl MVP, and a two-time NFL MVP. On top of that, you have a six-time Pro Bowler and the NFL's Offensive Player of the Year (2018). Impressive resume, right?
On the other hand, people have grown fatigued of seeing the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback everywhere.
"Oh my god, another commercial with Mahomes? I just saw him promoting State Farm..."
"Ugh, not him and Andy Reid talking about chicken nuggets..."
At least Mahomes isn't running around professing his love for Taylor Swift. After all, he's a level-headed guy who's shown himself to be a solid leader.
Eichel is the Golden Knights version of Patrick Mahomes
Believe it or not, Jack Eichel is similar to Mahomes in certain aspects. Both are champions in their respective sports and play at elite levels. This season alone, Eichel scored 28 goals and 94 points, catapulting himself into the "elite player" conversation.
Plus, they look like each other and play for consistently great franchises (how many times have you heard the "Golden Refs" diatribe?). The only difference is that Mark Stone isn't hated for being overly obnoxious and annoying like Travis Kelce.
Well, it's time for Eichel to channel his inner Mahomes and carry the Golden Knights to victory. The Chiefs' quarterback was an excellent playoff performer in the 2024 postseason, going 4-0 while completing 69.8% of his passes and throwing six touchdowns.
The Oilers are up 3-1 in the second round, meaning Vegas's best player must take over the series and play like his look-alike, a la January-February 2024.
What can Jack Eichel learn from Patrick Mahomes?
It's February 11, 2024, and the Super Bowl's in Las Vegas. The San Francisco 49ers are up by a field goal with 1:53 to play. The Kansas City Chiefs are desperate for a field goal to tie. Luckily, Mahomes is the perfect guy to do the job.
Mahomes and the Chiefs march downfield and set up Harrison Butker for a 29-yard field goal. We're heading to overtime. The tension is at an all-time high, so clench your buttcheeks.
Mahomes ends up with 333 passing yards, along with the game-winning touchdown pass to Mecole Hardman Jr. The Chiefs win and San Francisco is left with broken hearts. Even after facing a fourth down in overtime, the Super Bowl MVP never wavered, focused on leading his team to victory. You know what they say: Patrick Mahomes is a different beast during the postseason.
That's the exact mindset Jack Eichel must adopt on Wednesday (and beyond). The Vegas Golden Knights are without key players such as Mark Stone and Brandon Saad, leaving them vulnerable at the forward position. The forecheck is also softened up without these two stars. That leaves Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid (among others) to feast in an elimination game.
The gameplan for Eichel and the Vegas Golden Knights
How can Eichel do this? For one, don't worry too much about being down. The Golden Knights were down in Game 2 before mounting a comeback to force the game into overtime. The same goes for Game 3, where Vegas scored three straight before winning on a buzzer-beater.
This time, they must carry the same mentality with Eichel channeling his inner Mahomes. Coordinate the attack properly and set up some organized attacks upon entering the offensive zone. Limit the Oilers and their forward depth.
Believe it or not, this is a game that the Vegas Golden Knights can win. The series might be a long shot to win, yet it's still doable. All they need is their superstar to play like his doppelganger during the postseason, only on ice. If he can, Oilers fans will curse Eichel's name the same way every other NFL fan curses the name of Patrick Mahomes.