Jack Eichel doesn't get much criticism, aside from when he gets hurt. The Vegas Golden Knights superstar has 45 assists and 56 points, making him one of the league's most efficient scorers. Tose 56 points is good for eighth in the NHL. So far, he's been impressive for the Golden Knights.
He's also on pace to shatter some career records, including assists and points. His highest totals came in 2018-19 with the Buffalo Sabres, where he notched 54 assists and 82 points. He is nine assists and 26 points from matching those totals. In fact, his projected totals of 80 assists and 100 points would shatter those career-highs.
Those totals would also blow past the franchise highs set by David Perron (50 assists) and William Karlsson (78 points), both set in 2017-18. It would establish himself as the team's bona fide scorer, putting him miles ahead of Jonathan Marchessault and Mark Stone. How awesome of an honor would that be for the four-time All-Star?
But breaking those franchise records and career-highs means snapping out of a mini-funk. Dear reader, Eichel might have three assists in his last five games. For regular NHL players, that's fairly good. However, he hasn't scored a goal since January 4 against his old team, the Sabres.
Let's take that one step further. He has had one goal since December 28, nearly closing in on one month without much offense. But that dry spell goes beyond Eichel himself. It's affecting his traditional linemates, Mark Stone and Ivan Barbashev. How, you might ask?
How Jack Eichel's play affects Ivan Barbashev and Mark Stone
Let's start with Ivan Barbashev, who doesn't have any points since returning on January 11 against the New York Rangers. The Russian winger (15 goals, 15 assists) has fired off three shots in his last three games, mounting a -2 rating in the process. Not having any production from the left wing has hurt the Vegas Golden Knights, where Jack Eichel hasn't set up prime opportunities.
Mark Stone has been better for the Golden Knights, scoring a power play goal and three assists in his last five games. However, he was pointless in the last two contests, leaving the top line without much bite. He also has seven shots in his last five games, not getting many scoring opportunities on offense himself.
Eichel's (mostly) dry spell has hampered his linemates, leaving the group obsolete in games against the Carolina Hurricanes and Chicago Blackhawks. Without the top line scoring, it's made the difference between defeat and earning at least a point in those contests.
For example, let's look at the two games against the New York teams. Eichel had a combined seven giveaways in both games, with the three turnovers against the Rangers being the difference-maker. Getting over those woes will help the superstar lead the top line past opposing teams.
Expect a rebound from Eichel
The good news about Eichel is he's the type of player who rebounds from adversity well. He carries the play and makes his linemates better. Of course, he does this by adapting to opposing defenses and reading the play in front of him. Such attributes make him one of a kind, turning the Vegas Golden Knights into an elite team.
Besides, January hasn't been the kindest month for Vegas. All-time, they have a record of 41-33-10 entering Monday's contest against the St. Louis Blues. Generally, the first month of the years tends to be sluggish for the Golden Knights. It's when they're in the slog part of their schedule, where injuries and a tired unit take hold.
Perhaps they need a recharge after playing at a high level in December. That could come after the 4 Nations Face-Off, where Eichel will participate. That could also come on Monday against an average Blues team at home, where the Golden Knights could dominate because of their top line. Whatever the case, don't expect Eichel to be slowed down for long.