World Championship update: USA, Eichel into knockout round
The stakes are higher, and Jack Eichel is just getting better.
If you haven't been following along with the IIHF World Championships, then you've been missing out on two things: the Jack Eichel love-fest as he shows how well he can play against professionals, and Team USA's somewhat surprising dominance in group play despite not having much NHL-caliber talent on their roster.
After the group stage, the US came out the winners of Group B with a 6-1 record, and will now play Switzerland today in the quarterfinal round.
As for Eichel, he's been one of the best players on Team USA, and has been rewarded with increasing ice time and responsibility from coach Todd Richards, scoring two goals and four assists in seven games. He's had highlight-reel plays in almost every game, chronicled nicely by Jeremy White on WGR550.com, including the overtime game winner in the USA's last game.
If that doesn't get you excited to watch him work in the NHL, please seek medical help immediately. Eichel and team USA will try to advance to the next round with a win over Switzerland today.