Jack Eichel is Playoff-Clutch

When the Vegas Golden Knights acquired Jack Eichel from the Buffalo Sabres on November 4, 2021, it was a massive move in the NHL. The Massachusetts native was disgruntled as a Sabre, needing a change of scenery. Therefore, he needed a trade out of Western New York.

The center also needed artificial disk replacement surgery upon being acquired, meaning his debut would be delayed. Most people thought Eichel would become everything bad, from a flop to a locker room cancer. The entire book of "awful" was thrown at the former Sabre, with his former fanbase turning on him.

Fast forward to April 30, 2024, where Eichel is changing the narrative for the Vegas Golden Knights. With clutch goals and boosting the top line's play, the center is becoming a de facto piece of the Golden Knights.

How Jack Eichel is a Playoff Factor

This postseason, Eichel has three goals and three assists for the Golden Knights. He has at least a point in every game against the Dallas Stars this series. Suddenly, he's a playoff x-factor in the series, where the Stars must account for him.

But opposing teams have been watching for him in the playoffs since last season. In last year's Stanley Cup playoffs, Eichel had six goals and 20 assists, leading the Golden Knights to their first Stanley Cup. Eichel also had three power play goals and five power play assists, boosting the special teams unit for Vegas. With timely goals and an offensive acumen, No. 9 became a threat.

Now, the star center has changed the narrative for the Vegas Golden Knights. No longer is he a "locker room cancer," nor is he a flop. For the Golden Knights, he's a playoff superstar, with teams on the lookout for No. 9. It's refreshing to make the naysayers shut up, isn't it?

Why the Golden Knights Need Eichel More Than Ever

With the Vegas Golden Knights losing both games at T-Mobile Arena, the series is tied. Now, the series shifts to American Airlines Center, where the Dallas Stars look to carry their momentum with them. For the Golden Knights, they need help offensively to stop the bleeding.

Jack Eichel is the go-to guy for the offensive charge, with his leadership and offensive expertise heading the Golden Knights. They'll need No. 9's skills more than ever, specifically on the top line. That way, they can turn their fortunes around and take the series back.

After all, you can't just rely on Logan Thompson to get the job done. Winning a hockey game requires at least one goal. For the Golden Knights, Eichel is the engine that makes the offense go. If he continues to come up clutch for Vegas, another Stanley Cup run isn't far off.