Sabres' Eichel scores OT winner in rookie game

Buffalo Sabres fans are already excited about Jack Eichel. They should be. The 18-year-old rookie out of Boston University is coming off of the best season by a freshman in 20 years in the NCAA and was the No. 2 overall pick in the most recent draft.

Their shiny new cornerstone was on display this week during a rookie tournament hosted by the Sabres at First Niagara Center. Buffalo’s prospects competed in a series of games against prospects from the New Jersey Devils and Boston Bruins.

The Sabres took on the Bruins in what essentially amounted to the tournament championship with both teams entering the game with wins over the Devils. That set the stage for Eichel to give the Buffalo fans in attendance a taste of what’s to come.

With the two clubs knotted 2-2 after three periods, the two sides squared off in a 3-on-3 overtime period. It was looking like a shootout would be necessary as the extra frame ticked down, but then Eichel happened.

The former BU star sped down the right side, leaving a Bruins defender in the dust. Then he set his sights on the net and wired a perfect shot past Zane McIntyre for the game-winning goal.

It was a meaningless game, of course. Just some summer hockey to help the young guns get ready for their first crack at the big leagues. But based on the play-by-play call and the reaction from the crowd, there couldn’t have been a more perfect ending to this tournament than Buffalo’s new golden boy (not to be confused with Buffalo’s new golden man, Rex Ryan) putting it to bed.

Eichel is already facing big-time expectations. He certainly did nothing to temper them after this week. It’s going to be an interesting year in Buffalo.

Jack Eichel put on a show for the home crowd. (Sabres)

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