Two-way game just as important for returning Buffalo Sabres star Jack Eichel
— -- What do you need to know about last night's big stories? Joe McDonald gives us his take on the biggest and best. This is where we say, "Morning, Joe."
More than just scoring : Buffalo Sabres center Jack Eichel has three goals and one assist for four points in his first two games back from a high-ankle sprain. His return to the lineup has paid dividends. We're not here to talk offense, however: His defensive game has been just as important to the Sabres' success. In the waning minutes of Thursday's game, Buffalo had a one-goal lead, and the New York Rangers were pressuring. In an all-out effort, Eichel won a battle along the wall and was able to chip the puck into the neutral zone to secure the 4-3 victory. It was another example of how the league's talented young players are bringing a two-way game. The Edmonton Oilers' Connor McDavid plays that game. The Toronto Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews is learning that trait too. If you want to be one of the best players in the NHL -- and, above all, win -- you have to excel at both ends of the ice. If a player is willing to make those sacrifices for the betterment of the team, it goes a long way with your teammates and fans. Eichel is that type of player.
Tarasenko lighting it up: Speaking of dynamic players, the St. Louis Blues' Vladimir Tarasenko is one of the best. He's a dangerous player when he's hot, which is the case right now. He scored his third career hat trick and equaled a career-high four points en route to a 5-4 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday. He's the type of player who wants the puck on his stick, and when he has it, there's no denying his ability. He can skate and shoot, and his hockey sense is off the charts. When he's this consistent and confident, it makes everyone around him better. He scored 40 goals last season, and he's on track to hit that mark again. Tarasenko, 24, has nine goals and nine assists for 18 points in the last 13 games.?
McDavid-Eichel is back on: Oilers superstar Connor McDavid continues to amaze with his speed and production, which was again on display against the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday. He assisted on three of Edmonton's goals en route to a 6-3 win. McDavid extended his points streak to seven games, during which he has six goals and nine assists for 15 points. It was his 10th multipoint game of the season, and he leads the league with 34 points in 25 games. His offensive production is impressive, but, as with Eichel, his two-way game bears mentioning. It starts with speed: The explosiveness of McDavid and Eichel is almost unmatched; both play at an entirely different level. It's a toss-up as to which player is more exciting to watch. McDavid is the leader in the clubhouse, but in his two games back, Eichel has been remarkable.
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