“Little bit of relief” – Jack Eichel nets first goal with Vegas Golden Knights in triumph over Sharks
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Jack Eichel
American ice hockey center Jack Eichel had a goal and an assist while goalie Logan Thompson made as many as 35 saves to pick up his first NHL win on Sunday. This led the visiting Vegas Golden Knights to a 4-1 win over the San Jose Sharks at the SAP Center.
Eichel, who was obtained in a November 4 trade with Buffalo Sabres, played his third game since undergoing neck surgery on November 12. The 25-year-old also smashed his first goal since January last year which came when the Vegas were leading 1-0 in the first period and Eichel drove toward the left side of the net. This took a behind-the-goal pass from Chandler Stephenson and then slid a shot past the left pad of James Reimer.
“There was a little bit of relief,” Eichel said on the game broadcast. “You get the first one out of the way, and just keep playing hockey.”
“Just trying to get a little more aggressive”
The Massachusetts native Eichel reckoned that he’s trying to be a bit more aggressive on the ice and convert more chances for his side.
“It’s starting to come,” Eichel said. “I’m just trying to get a little more aggressive. I feel like I’ve been passing up chances to shoot the puck, and I feel that generates a lot for my game, when I can just be aggressive. So, I just have to keep getting pucks to the net and keep it from the other team.”
Meanwhile, Vegas coach Peter DeBoer said this game must have reduced some pressure off Eichel’s shoulder. He stated:
“It’s a little bit of pressure off of him now. But I liked his game tonight. I think that with every game, he’s taken another step, and tonight, he was that much better.”
“He’s starting to get more comfortable, he’s using his speed and he’s starting to get his timing,” DeBoer added. “Those are good signs.”
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Sachin Arora
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