The bar's been set pretty high, and the price paid to get him doesn't make it easier.

I am 100% guilty of nitpicking here but Im just as excited regardless. When the biggest negative takeaways from a kid playing against men are discipline and effort you've got a good one.
- Sabresfan-365

I get it. And like I said, I wasn't really directing the post at you. You weren't exactly saying he played terribly. It just reminded me of the fact that nothing anyone does around here is ever actually good enough for a very large portion of the fan base.

Yeah, like the ones who make statements like 'Eichel's been great' when he hasn't. He has been ordinary. Which is not bad, when you consider he is playing with more seasoned players. He doesn't look out of place.
- Pierceme69

I think the larger ice surface is going to make things look differently to us than we're used to as well. Guys tend to coast around a bit more, but it's because they have to. They can't afford to go balls the walls the whole time they're out there. They'd never make it back to the bench.

I think the larger ice surface is going to make things look differently to us than we're used to as well. Guys tend to coast around a bit more, but it's because they have to. They can't afford to go balls the walls the whole time they're out there. They'd never make it back to the bench.
- HonkFortheGoose

The fact he has looked like any other player out there is more encouraging to me than anything. He looks NHL ready, if not spectacular yet.

The fact he has looked like any other player out there is more encouraging to me than anything. He looks NHL ready, if not spectacular yet.
- Pierceme69

I haven't gotten to really see any of the tournament. I was listening to it at work the other day and I'm watching the Erie/Soo game right now since 2 of our prospects are playing in it. So I can't really pass too much judgement on how anyone looks. I had a peek or two of the first game and I watched part of the one on right now during the 1st intermission of the Erie game.

I get it. And like I said, I wasn't really directing the post at you. You weren't exactly saying he played terribly. It just reminded me of the fact that nothing anyone does around here is ever actually good enough for a very large portion of the fan base.
- HonkFortheGoose

Yea there's been a lot of that the past couple of years. You're probably right about the larger ice surface as well.

The fact he has looked like any other player out there is more encouraging to me than anything. He looks NHL ready, if not spectacular yet.
- Pierceme69

Couldn't agree more. As far as talent, speed and size go he's ready. The other stuff is coachable/comes with experience.

Yeah, like the ones who make statements like 'Eichel's been great' when he hasn't. He has been ordinary. Which is not bad, when you consider he is playing with more seasoned players. He doesn't look out of place.
- Pierceme69

I think him not looking out of place is the most important. This is his first chance against pro's and he's still 18. The coach put him out on the ice at the end of the game so that shows confidence in him. The US next game is against Russia. Huge step up.

I think him not looking out of place is the most important. This is his first chance against pro's and he's still 18. The coach put him out on the ice at the end of the game so that shows confidence in him. The US next game is against Russia. Huge step up.
- Carlo

I totally agree.

The fact he has looked like any other player out there is more encouraging to me than anything. He looks NHL ready, if not spectacular yet.
- Pierceme69

Solid take

Sidenote: My friend was wearing this shirt the other day and all I could think about was this board.

Solid take

Sidenote: My friend was wearing this shirt the other day and all I could think about was this board.
- JCSabs06

I bet your friend is a beady eyed douche who has never proven anything.

Can we all just confirm right now that Winston is a bust

Why on earth would you take a picture of crab legs after being drafted with your buccaneers Jersey on
- gerbe75pts

wtf does this even mean

All well and good, but it shows a lack of judgement to take a picture of it and tweet it when you know you are already considered a dirtbag.
- Pierceme69

someone fill me in

I get this terrible feeling that no matter what he ends up doing, there's going to be a good portion of the fans that don't think it's good enough.

It's exactly why I think it would be a terrible idea for Pat Kane to ever play here. We haven't even drafted the kid yet and people are picking apart his game. Because he's not McDavid, he's never going to be good enough in the eyes of many, many fans here. (this isn't directed at you, I'm just ranting).
- HonkFortheGoose

See: Thornton, Joe in Boston.

Anyone know where to find free live streaming for the fight?

Anyone know where to find free live streaming for the fight?
- Smittyx36

PM sent

PM sent
- jochfr

Would I be able to spot a link for the fight as well good sir?

wtf does this even mean
- DynamicThreads

starting off his career on the right path again had a clean slate and already (frank)ed it up

PM sent
- jochfr

why PM? share with the group!

Yeah........any help with the fight would be great!

why PM? share with the group!
- Homer

http://www.usagoals.com/

link 13 is the best on that page

When Pac throws a punch, I just assume it doesn't land at this point

A) Eichel will be great.

B) I was alive and well all night, moment the fight started...passed the (frank) out. Woke up with 10 seconds left in the 12th round. Best fight ever.

Apparently I'm a part of over 15 selfies with 8 different people. I checked my pockets, couldn't find any (frank)s.

I bet your friend is a beady eyed douche who has never proven anything.
- Pierceme69

This could be the single greatest post I have ever seen on this site.

This could be the single greatest post I have ever seen on this site.
- smellmyfinger

You should do some back-reading (about 6 blogs back and thereafter until last October) and make a point to read BuffaloHardHat's posts then. You will not be disappointed.