Another preseason game, another Jack Eichel highlight.
The stellar Buffalo Sabres rookie continued to build his confidence at the NHL level in the form of yet another shorthand goal this preseason.
With Marcus Foligno in the penalty box for boarding, Eichel took the puck, went into a third gear and blew by Toronto defenseman Connor Brown with the puck. Going in all alone on Jonathan Bernier, Eichel ripped a shot past the Maple Leafs netminder in the top corner to put Buffalo up 1-0.
From one end of the ice to the other, @Jack_Eichel11 uses his speed shorthanded to put #Sabres up 1-0. #TORvsBUF pic.twitter.com/FrrEdKYScY
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) September 29, 2015
When the puck hit the back of the net, the crowd at First Niagara Center erupted into a cheer that could surpass any moment during the last two seasons in Buffalo. It was a regular season-like celebration for a meaningless game in September.
It was Eichel’s second goal of the preseason, and his second shorthanded goal. In total, the Sabres have managed to score five shorthanded goals in five preseason games which happens to lead the NHL.
Eichel has sworn off wearing his chosen number 15 until he’s told that he will be on the opening night roster. With yet another performance that involves goal scoring, crisp passing and impressive defensive play, it may be time for the 2015 second overall draft pick to start getting that 15 jersey ready for Ottawa on October 8.