Jack Eichel missed the third period of Thursday’s victory over the Florida Panthers, and the Vegas Golden Knights’ star forward is doubtful for Saturday’s tilt vs. the Los Angeles Kings.
Today the Golden Knights had an optional practice, and head coach Pete DeBoer addressed the media to provide some updates.
No results yet on the evaluation of Jack Eichel, per Pete DeBoer. Calls him doubtful for tomorrow and that it’s a “huge concern.”#VegasBorn
— Danny Webster (@DannyWebster21) March 18, 2022
Eichel was injured when he blocked a shot with just over five minutes remaining in the second period, and the puck caught him in the hand.
Losing Eichel for any period of time would be another huge lose for a team that’s already missing many regulars, especially when you consider how well he’s played.
Through 15 games played, Eichel has a line of 5-5-10, and he’s been worth 1.5 goals above replacement according to Evolving Hockey. That equates to 0.328 goals above replacement per 60 minutes in 276 minutes of play. Eichel’s also posted a slash line that includes a 61.78 goals for percentage, a 53.86 Corsi for percentage, and a 52.85 expected goals percentage.
In addition to the update on Eichel, DeBoer provided a positive one for Robin Lehner.
On Lehner, DeBoer said he’s heading in a positive direction. “I don’t have a timeframe, but I don’t think it’s far off.”#VegasBorn
— Danny Webster (@DannyWebster21) March 18, 2022
Lehner’s missed the last five games with a lower-body injury, and this is the third time this year he’s missed five games in a row. In his absence the Golden Knights have had to rely on a combination of Laurent Brossoit and Logan Thompson, but a healthy Lehner could really be a shot in the arm to get the team going in the right direction.
Stay tuned for more updates as they become available, but the team will most likely be a little shorthanded… again for Saturday’s game against the Kings.