Eichel craving 1st taste of playoffs: 'It's tough when you don't get there'

At just 20-years-old, Jack Eichel's will to win may stick out more than his incredibly polished skill set - and that's saying something.

Despite leading the Buffalo Sabres in scoring with just 52 games played, looking back on sterling sophomore numbers isn't enough for Eichel. He wants to make the playoffs, but will have to wait at least another season with Buffalo all but dead in the Eastern Conference race.

"Frustrating more than anything," Eichel told Nick Cotsonika of NHL.com after defeating the Red Wings on Monday night. "Want to be a playoff team. Want to play in the playoffs. Get a taste of it. It's tough when you don't get there."

Don't blame the kid for a second, though. Eichel's done more than his part.

In 31 fewer games, Eichel is just six points back of the 56 he recorded last season as a rookie. His 0.96 points per game is 12th among regulars.

Yet, Eichel yearns for he and his club to reach the next step.

"We come to the rink every day and work hard and try to get better, and you don't see the results you want," Eichel said. "It's a bit frustrating, but I think that as players everyone just needs to look in the mirror and become a better hockey player. If you have high expectations, all you can do is just improve yourself. It's all I'm going to try and do. I hope everyone takes the same mindset."

If emerging as one of the NHL's most dangerous threats wasn't enough for Eichel in his second season, it appears the 20-year-old is growing into a prominent leadership role with the Sabres in the process.