Jack Eichel is one of the NHL’s elite talents, there’s no question about that. Unfortunately, those talents have not been able to be properly utilized. Similar to how the Edmonton Oilers couldn’t fully put it together even with Connor McDavid on board, the Buffalo Sabres just haven’t been able to take the next step.
For a player like Eichel who wears his heart on his sleeve and certainly does more than his fair share of the work, it’s particularly tough to keep ending up in the league basement. There’s no greater example of that than this imagery provided by John Vogl.
Following their 3rd game of a four-game road trip (also their 3rd loss of that four game road trip), Eichel was apparently feeling so devastated he didn’t even take his uniform off.
While some people get used to losing and accept it, Eichel seems to genuinely feel the pain of defeat to its fullest extent. As is the case with every time a heartbreaking quote comes out of Eichel’s mouth, fans believe he deserves better.
(H/T John Vogl)
