You know who hasn't been as widely discussed as a Calder Trophy candidate? Jack Eichel.
NHL scores 2016: Jack Eichel is the Calder Trophy candidate no one’s talking about
The NHL’s No. 2 overall pick in last year’s draft has something to say, and you should get ready to listen.
Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Off the bat, I can think of a variety of reasons why. Eichel doesn't have the flashiness that makes guys like Artemi Panarin and Connor McDavid so fun to watch. That's just not who Eichel is, and that's OK! The Sabres No. 2 overall pick has carved out his role in hockey as a power forward, who has more to his game than just brilliant play making abilities. Eichel can throw down some highlights with the best of them, but that's not what his game is built on.
Another is that the crop of rookie talent this season is so deep, we've barely scratched the surface on those first year players that have made splashes. Dylan Larkin, Shayne Gostisbehere, Max Domi, Anthony Duclair, and Colton Parayko have all been standouts this season at one point or another. Add Eichel and the others listed above, that's eight players right there that have tossed their hat in the ring.
Normally, it’s three or four first years that make the most noise. Double that, and no doubt some will get lost in the overwhelming sound of outstanding talent.
Eichel hasn’t been lauded as highly as Larkin or Panarin or McDavid this year, but you can definitely make a case that he’s right behind that top tier.
With 41 points in 59 games, Eichel is in a three-way tie with Larkin and Domi for second place in the rookie scoring race. His 17 goals and 24 assists are good enough for third place in each of those respective statistics, though he shares the spotlight in goals with teammate Sam Reinhart.
Where Eichel falls out of the conversation, however, is in points per game, where the center has come in at a 0.67 pace. It’s not bad by any means, and one hundredth of a point behind Larkin and Domi no less. Add that onto his low percentage of highlight reel plays, and you can start to see why Eichel’s name hasn’t been brandied about as passionately as some of the others.
It’s a shame, because Eichel does make some really phenomenal hockey plays that often go unheralded.
Of course there are other players much more deserving of the league's Rookie of the Year award, but that doesn't mean Jack Eichel's strong rookie season shouldn't go unnoticed.
Scores
Buffalo Sabres 4, Columbus Blue Jackets 0
New York Islanders 1, New Jersey Devils 0
Carolina Hurricanes 5, San Jose Sharks 2
Montreal Canadiens 3, Philadelphia Flyers 2 (SO)
Calgary Flames 5, Vancouver Canucks 2
3 things we learned
1. Somehow, neither the Flyers or Canadiens could score in overtime
We all know 3-on-3 overtime is the best. You don't need a retelling why.
The Canadiens may have come away with a shootout win, but they had to endure a scare or two in the extra period of hockey to get there. First, Brayden Schenn was stopped point blank on a breakaway attempt.
Then the Canadiens headed back down the ice the other way, but could not put the puck in the net despite a desperate flurry that lasted long enough for Flyers fans to die of heart attacks.
Subban could have had assist #3 on either of these passes. pic.twitter.com/600HA4IfTN
— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) February 20, 2016
— Stephanie (@myregularface) February 20, 2016
2. Jaroslav Halak had the Devils seeing red
The Devils could be in a bit of a bind. With two straight losses to Metropolitan Division foes, the Devils have taken themselves one point out of wild card contention behind the Penguins and Lightning. One point can be made up easily, but New Jersey was bested by the glove and pads of Islanders netminder Jaroslav Halak, who made 27 saves in the 1-0 shutout win against the Devils. With Metro powerhouses in the Capitals and Rangers up next for the Devils, hopefully they can fight their recent slide against their own division to stay afloat.
NYI goalie Jaroslav Halak with a 27 save shutout, his 3rd of the season and 39th of his career. #1stStar #HalakIsBack
— Allan Walsh (@walsha) February 20, 2016
3. Joonas Korpisalo had a night to forget
Hello darkness my old friend, Korpisalo was beaten by a long shot once again.
Impact Moment
Sabres goaltender Robin Lehner was ready to throw down with Jack Johnson after a late hit in Buffalo's 4-0 blowout of the Blue Jackets caught his attention.
Stat of the Night
#Flyers Shayne Gostisbehere is inching closer to the longest point streak by a defenceman since 1987-88 pic.twitter.com/T718eaoDYW
— Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) February 20, 2016
Post to Post
- The Hurricanes invoked black magic on a deflection goal. Don’t believe me? Just watch.
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