There’s a reason why Jack Eichel was named captain of Team USA for the 2015 IIHF World Junior Championship.
The 18-year-old Boston University forward showed the world why he’s projected to be among first two picks of this year’s NHL draft in the USA’s 2-1 shootout win over Finland in the WJC preliminaries Friday. Eichel contributed an impressive assist and a shootout goal in the victory.
The U.S. got down early, giving up an embarrassing goal from behind the net (yes, behind it) just 1:22 into the opening period. But thanks to some smooth moves from Eichel, USA stayed in the game.
Toward the end of the first period, the Terriers star dished a backhand pass to Boston College’s Alex Tuch for the equalizer.
Tuch’s goal was the last one of regulation, though, and a scoreless overtime frame brought the game to a shootout. Eichel netted his attempt (of course), but Finland’s Artturi Lehkonen struck back immediately on the next shot. Luckily, Chase De Leo — who plays for the Western Hockey League’s Portland Winterhawks — put USA ahead with this nifty goal.
BC’s Thatcher Demko then saved Kasperi Kapanen’s shootout attempt for the win.
USA’s next preliminary matchup will be Sunday against Germany.
Thumbnail photo via Twitter/@npsport
GIFs via Twitter/@PeteBlackburn
