Jack Eichel waited eight years to get his first taste of the NHL playoffs - and he definitely made the most of it.
After hoisting the Stanley Cup on home ice on Wednesday night, the Vegas Golden Knights superstar admitted there were times in his career when he had a difficult time envisioning himself reaching hockey's summit.
"I think it's only human nature to have some doubt creep in when you don't make it to (the) playoffs for an extended period of time," Eichel said following the Game 5 victory, per ESPN's Greg Wyshynski. "You're wondering if it will ever happen. So many people go through their whole career without having the opportunity to hoist the Stanley Cup. It's the hardest thing in the world (to win)."
The Buffalo Sabres selected Eichel second overall in 2015 and, during his tenure, the club never finished higher than sixth in its division. After landing with the Golden Knights via blockbuster trade in 2021, Vegas proceeded to miss the playoffs for the first and only time in its six-year history.
Eichel was the 2023 playoffs' leading scorer with 26 points in 22 games - including eight assists in the Stanley Cup Final. He placed second in Conn Smythe voting as a result of his efforts.
Vegas winger Jonathan Marchessault, this year's playoff MVP, believes Eichel was equally deserving of the title.
"Honestly, ever since he came here, we were just a different team," Marchessault said. "He's a game-changer for the group. And this trophy could have definitely went to him. I could never have that without him."
Marchessault added: "First playoff and first (Stanley Cup) win for him, right? That's a pretty good average."
