One goal. That's all Jack Eichel got last week.
When you're pursuing 100 or more points in a season, you need more juice than that. You can't get by on the margins and expect to shatter franchise records. Alas, that's where we are as the Vegas Golden Knights enter Monday on a three-game losing streak.
You can make up all sorts of reasons why the Golden Knights are currently in a funk. Mitch Marner is having another child with his wife, Stephanie (congratulations, Mitch!) and the power play has been basically non-existent. In turn? A team that doesn't have its groove.
Of course, it doesn't help that Jack Eichel only has a goal in that span. Vegas needs as many points from its biggest star as possible. That way, they can continue angering the masses within the hockey realm and being the dominant force within the NHL.
What lies ahead for Eichel as he bounces back after scoring only one goal against the St. Louis Blues? Who will he face in his pursuit of 100 or more points? Maybe this is the bounce-back week for Vegas's hero.
What's next for Jack Eichel and his pursuit of 100 or more points?
The good news is that Eichel's still on track for 100 or more points. He's currently projected to hit 120 points (38 goals and 82 assists). Both the assists and the points would be franchise records if trends continue. Still, the silent week is quite alarming for his pursuit of the century mark.
He had a golden opportunity (no pun intended) to boost his mark on Saturday against a downtrodden Columbus Blue Jackets team. All he got were six shots, all of which didn't go into the net. But it's not like he isn't trying.
That Columbus game was proof that he's doing whatever he can to get on the board. Sure, there are outliers such as Tuesday's game against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Here, he had no shots on goal and even had a costly turnover that permanently swung the momentum in Tampa Bay's favor. But Eichel is still the engine that drives the Golden Knights.
So, what's on tap for the Olympic gold medalist and his pursuit of 100 or more points? Well, you're looking at two interesting matchups against Eastern Conference teams. And yes, that involves Connor Hellebuyck's new squad, the New Jersey Devils. That happens on Friday at T-Mobile Arena.
The other game? The Ottawa Senators on Tuesday at home, who won't have Linus Ullmark. Still, the Senators have formed into a respectable team with 16 points (good for second in the Atlantic Division entering Monday). This all happens before a tough four-game Eastern Conference swing.
The games will be few and far between this week within the Realm, meaning that points are at a premium. Still, Eichel's been known to get back on his feet and turn in great performances. Let's just hope that he didn't get his talent sucked like he was in Space Jam.
Add us as a preferred source on Google