Archives for March 2016

'Despite the goal, the game went into overtime. Seconds into the extra period, McDavid had the puck behind the Sabres net and drew two Buffalo players behind the net, Brian Gionta and Rasmus Ristolainen. With a no-look pass, McDavid found Taylor Hall alone in the slot but breaking up the play at the last second was Eichel.' … [Read more...] about McDavid ousts Eichel, Sabres 2-1

'McDavid and Eichel are at different stages of their transition to the NHL game. Eichel has played 64 games in Buffalo, and has encountered the ups and downs of a long season with a rebuilding club. McDavid said he remains a work in progress.' … [Read more...] about McDavid scores winner in OT, lifts Oilers over Eichel, Sabres

McDavid double gives Edmonton Oilers the win over Sabres in overtime (Edmonton Journal) McDavid tops Eichel right now & 4 more lessons out of Oilers win (Edmonton Journal) McDavid decisively wins showdown with Eichel as Oilers edge Sabres (Edmonton Journal) Edmonton Oilers rookie Connor McDavid scores both goals in a 2-1 overtime win over Buffalo (Edmonton Sun) Injured … [Read more...] about Wednesday’s Edmonton Coverage

'As Eichel and McDavid prepared to face off for the first time against each other at the National Hockey League level in the inaugural McEichel Bowl Tuesday night, you almost get the impression that they were more than happy that the American television spotlight had shifted off them.' … [Read more...] about Budding Eichel-McDavid ‘rivalry’ still dwarfed by Ovechkin-Crosby

'“I think everybody was hoping the Sabres would get McDavid, but Eichel is not really much of a step down,” Matt Licata Jr. said as he sat wearing his Eichel jersey in (716), a Buffalo sports bar where a goal light flashes each time the home-town team scores. “Hopefully, we won a prize. We’ve got the next 10 years to see.”' … [Read more...] about Rivalry between McDavid and Eichel is built on hype, but still stirs the crowd

'"Big-time players, big goals," Oilers coach Todd McLellan said. "I'm sure we're going to see a lot more from Connor and probably Jack as well."' … [Read more...] about McDavid edges Eichel in 2 rookie centers’ first NHL matchup

'McDavid and Eichel provided a buzz for this one even though the Oilers and Sabres are both among the NHL's bottom five teams. Eichel was picked right after McDavid in last year's draft, and both players are considered potentially generational talents.' … [Read more...] about McDavid gets 2nd goal in OT, Oilers beat Sabres 2-1

'"They're two fabulous players," Oilers coach Todd McClellan said Tuesday before the first NHL meeting between McDavid and Eichel. "We're very lucky to have them on our teams. We're very lucky to have them in our league and the fans are very lucky to watch them play on a nightly basis because they're gifted, they're skilled, they're the future of our game."' … [Read more...] about McDavid and Eichel forge similar paths as beacons of hope for Oilers and Sabres

'The game showcased McDavid and Eichel, the top two picks from last year's draft. McDavid was chosen first overall by the Oilers, and Eichel went second to Buffalo. The finishing sequence appropriately featured both rookie sensations.' … [Read more...] about McDavid nets pair as Oilers defeat Sabres in OT

'"[McDavid] gets it. He gets that it's more of what [the media] creates than anything, to be honest," Hall said. "Sure, there's maybe a bit of a rivalry. They both wanted to go first last year, I'm sure, and there's always going to be that connection, but I think it's more of a hockey game than it is a battle between two young guys."' … [Read more...] about McDavid, Eichel fire up the first of many rivalry games

'As nonchalant as McDavid is after games like these, Eichel was just that sour. And why not? No one likes a happy loser, and I’d buy a ticket to their next meeting. Eichel hasn’t had this happen to him very often.' … [Read more...] about First act in McDavid-Eichel show a masterpiece

'Jack Eichel was stopped on one end, and sure enough Connor McDavid goes end-to-end with the puck and sneaks a backhand shot between Robin Lehner and the nearside post to win the game. Sometimes it is better to be lucky and good.' … [Read more...] about McDavid scores twice, Oilers top Sabres 2-1 in OT

'"It's unfortunate the way we came out in the first two periods. The third period, we showed what we're capable of. I think it's unfortunate we weren't that team the whole 60 (minutes). When we are that team, we feel confident against anybody. But all the teams are so good in this league, and it's tough and nearly impossible to win games like that playing that way."' … [Read more...] about Sabres-Oilers: From the locker room

'McDavid, the No. 1 pick in the 2015 NHL Draft, scored moments after Sabres rookie Jack Eichel, the No. 2 selection, rushed against Oilers goalie Cam Talbot and put a spinning backhand shot wide. McDavid picked up the puck following that shot and took it the rest of the way for the goal.' … [Read more...] about McDavid outduels Eichel in Oilers’ OT win

'"I didn't like our team right from the start of the game," Sabres coach Dan Bylsma said. "I didn’t like how prepared we were to start the game, play the game. We turned the puck over, gave them opportunities. We had four odd-man rushes in the first 12 minutes of the game.' … [Read more...] about Loss to Oilers begins and ends with goals from McDavid