Eichel eager for 1st postseason: 'Nothing is better than playoff hockey'

Vegas Golden Knights star Jack Eichel is chomping at the bit to finally get a taste of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

"I'm excited. It's something that we worked hard for. It should be a great atmosphere in here, and nothing is better than playoff hockey," Eichel said, per Sportsnet's Ken Wiebe. "I haven't played in it, but watching it, it was always real intense, and I'm looking forward to being a part of it."

Eichel missed the playoffs for the first six years of his career with the Buffalo Sabres, then the Golden Knights fell short of expectations and failed to qualify for the postseason in his debut campaign with the club in 2021-22.

However, the 26-year-old said he's confident he has the experience to make an impact in meaningful games.

"It's been a while, but it's a desperation level, compete level, details, everything goes up. It's no different," he said. "There are a lot of guys in here who have won and a lot of guys who have won a lot of playoff hockey games. We're a pretty veteran group.

"There have been plenty of games where we haven't played well, but we found ways to win. Everyone understands that in here, and you just want to carry that into the playoffs."

Eichel battled injuries this season but still led Vegas in scoring with 66 points in 67 games - the most appearances he's managed since the 2019-20 campaign. He only played a combined 55 games over the next two seasons after choosing to undergo artificial disc replacement surgery in his neck, a key factor in his trade from Buffalo.