Eichel scores winner for Sabres against McDavid, Oilers
In a meeting of the top picks from the 2015 NHL Draft, number two came out on top.
Jack Eichel - selected second overall that year - and the Buffalo Sabres hosted Connor McDavid - the first pick - and the Edmonton Oilers on Friday, with both teams entering the game near the bottom of the league's standings.
Related: Don't blame McDavid, Eichel for their teams' disappointing starts
Buffalo opened the scoring in the second period, and Eichel tallied the eventual game-winner in the 3-1 decision at the 43-second mark of the third.
Eichel extends our lead to 2-0.
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) November 25, 2017
Jack's +1 with 3 SOG, 8-2 on faceoffs. #Sabres pic.twitter.com/8Py9DpgFx2
In the end, Eichel held an advantage over McDavid in the personal stats, while the Sabres (30th) jumped to within two points of the Oilers (29th) in the standings.
| Player | Ice Time | Goals | Assists | Shots | Corsi (5v5) | Faceoff % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eichel | 17:10 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 54.84 | 80 |
| McDavid | 22:13 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 44.74 | 0 |
These two teams will face off in Edmonton on Jan. 23.