Eichel brilliant in Sabres' defeat

The end result wasn't desired, but the Buffalo Sabres sure got what they need out of franchise center Jack Eichel.

With his team down two goals to the Carolina Hurricanes midway through the third period, the 21-year-old scored two goals in 10 seconds, earning his first career hat trick after having scored in the previous period.

The third goal in particular was the kind of "put the puck on my stick and let me take over" play that this perennially struggling this team needs from its best player.

This beautiful goal = 1st career @NHL hatty for @Jack15Eichel. #Sabres pic.twitter.com/UBxq314n75

- Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) December 16, 2017

In the end, the Sabres fell to the Hurricanes in overtime, but Eichel finished with the three goals, an assist, and 11 shots on net. It's the kind of dominant performance that Buffalo will hope to see more of from a player who'll begin earning $10 million per season beginning in 2018-19.

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