HC Bruce Cassidy makes thoughts about $80,000,000 Golden Knights forward's impressive 2-goal performance against rivals Stars extremely clear

Vegas Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy shared his thoughts on Jack Eichel’s 2-goal performance against the Dallas Stars on Friday, Jan. 24. Speaking to the media after the game, Cassidy praised Eichel’s leadership and determination. Despite his two goals, the Golden Knights lost 4-3.

Cassidy highlighted how Eichel was driven to make a difference in the game:

"He (Eichel) was very driven." Cassidy said, "He was very vocal after the second period. Wasn't happy with the way it went. And good for him. He's one of our leaders. We rely on. They have to speak up. And he wanted to be a difference maker... he always does."

"I think these games against rivals that mean a little more temperature rises in the game. He's going to rise up with it."

The Golden Knights controlled the faceoffs, winning 51.8%, and performed well in power plays, scoring on two out of three opportunities. Cassidy pointed out a late chance where a crowd in front of the net blocked a potential goal.

"Listen, things happen as eight bodies in front of the net after I saw the replay, certainly did. That's a big save." Cassidy said, "I think Colonel walked out from the goal line too late. So there was definitely some opportunities, and you don't want to wait till a six on five, but if that's what it is, that's what it is, and would have been nice to see that one go in and see if we could play for another point."

Signed to an 8-year, $80,000,000 contract, Eichel is in his fourth season with the Golden Knights. He leads the team with 61 points (14 goals, 47 assists). Eichel’s play has been key in their victories, contributing 44 points in 29 wins with a rating of 35. In contrast, he has 17 points in 19 losses with a -8 rating, highlighting the Knights' dependence on his performance.

Jack Eichel's two-goal performance failed to lift Golden Knights above Stars

Despite Jack Eichel's standout performance, the Golden Knights lost 4-3 to the Dallas Stars. Eichel scored a power-play goal to give Vegas a 1-0 lead but Roope Hintz tied the game for Dallas with a tip-in goal

Jason Robertson then gave the Stars a 2-1 lead off a rebound in the second period. Shea Theodore tied it for Vegas with a power-play goal but Jamie Benn put Dallas back ahead with a tip-in goal. Robertson then extended the lead to 4-2.

Eichel scored his second goal in the third period to make it 4-3, but Vegas couldn’t score again. The Stars held on for the win.