What Friday's game proved about Jack Eichel as a player

Vegas Golden Knights fans don't expect Jack Eichel to improve much as a player. He's already an awesome superstar, as proven by his selection for the 4 Nations Face-Off and being a four-time All-Star. However, it appears he's unlocked another level of greatness thanks to playing with Mark Stone and Ivan Barbashev.

The trio has done tremendous work in the first two games, combining for six goals and five assists. They already have a goal and assist on the power play, boosting the historically mediocre unit to unexplored heights. In turn, it led to another fast start by Bruce Cassidy's club, where the team started 2-0-0.

Yeah, I know. A bizarre world where the Golden Knights power play looks much better than the penalty kill. One half of the special teams unit is thriving while the other is missing William Karlsson. Nobody would've seen this coming entering the 2024-25 season, yet here we are. We truly live in a society.

But what's the secret in the sauce? How is Eichel thriving with Stone where he had regular success with players like, say, Jonathan Marchessault? Could Stone's veteran presence be the reason for this amazing implementation? Whatever the case, Golden Knights fans are having an excellent time with the new top line. As a result, it appears to have some staying power, guiding the team to another potential deep run.

What did Friday's game show about Jack Eichel playing with Ivan Barbashev?

It's no secret Jack Eichel does well with Ivan Barbashev on the top line. The duo has unrivaled chemistry together, reading off each other while setting up ridiculous scoring opportunities. Take the second goal as a perfect example of what the pair can do together.

The two forwards catch the St. Louis Blues off-guard in transition, setting up a solid scoring opportunity that leads to Barbashev scoring. The defenders are so focused on Jack Eichel with Mark Stone that they don't catch the Russian forward going wide. As a result, it gives him a "golden" opportunity to take the lead, which he easily takes.

According to Natural Stat Trick, Eichel and Barbashev have done exceptionally well, scoring 36 goals for a GF% of 61.02% in 668:09 of TOI (63 games). The pair communicate well while looking for the right scoring chance, as proven by the Vegas Golden Knights's second goal. If both players can continue setting up such chances on the attack, it'll mean a higher-functioning offense that won't miss any of the departed forwards from this summer.

But what about Mark Stone and Eichel, you might ask?

The original conversation was supposed to feature Jack Eichel playing alongside Victor Olofsson on the top line. The Swedish forward would take the right wing spot. However, a lineup shift bumped Mark Stone to that slot. As a result, the Captain has unleashed a new part of Eichel's game, making him more dangerous.

How? For one, Eichel isn't forcing plays like he used to. On Barbashev's goal, Stone runs alongside the four-time All-Star, distracting the Blues defenders. They don't know the Russian forward has gone along the opposite side of the boards, setting up an ample scoring opportunity. Plays like this have built up Eichel's confidence as a player, making him more potent offensively.

Vegas Golden Knights fans have been inspired by the top line's solid play. They've seen breathtaking goals that have put the team's offensive firepower on full display. Of course, this wouldn't be possible without their main attraction producing at a high level. Where would the Golden Knights be without their superstar leading the charge?