Who is the better hockey player, Matthews or Eichel?

[LGR4GM]

Ik we're biased but who is the better of these 2. I've seen some leaf fans recently unimpressed with Eichel this season. 

Edited December 14, 2019 by LGR4GM

[LGR4GM]

The argument for matthews is that he scores more goals. 

[inkman]

Poll?

[GASabresIUFAN]

It’s Eichel and it’s not even close.

The only thing Matthews does better then Eichel is score goals.  Now that isn’t even true anymore. 
 

 

Edited December 14, 2019 by GASabresIUFAN

[Sabres Fan in NS]

Is this a real question?

Eichel by a very good margin.  His overall game is much better and as @GASabresIUFAN pointed out the only thing that Matthews did better he doesn't any more.

[Zamboni]

I think this is a poor question to ask any Sabres or Leafs fan.

Ask the other 29 markets fan bases.

[matter2003]

Eichel is a better player, Matthews a better pure goal scorer although Eichel is now 2nd in the NHL to Pastarnak in goals. That goal he scored today was an elite play to be in close and quickly flip the puck up into corner of the net with a defensive player and goalie there.

Edited December 15, 2019 by matter2003

[jsb]

The last 2-3 years I would have said Matthews, this year Jack's lightbulb just went off or he just decided he's sick of losing and he's taken this team on his back and he is playing at a different level than before. Right now his all around game and scoring acumen to boot puts Jack as the man in this poll. In fact there's most likely not many on one hand you'd give the vote to over him right now. 

[Torpedo Forecheck]

21 minutes ago, matter2003 said:

Eichel is a better player, Matthews a better pure goal scorer although Eichel is now 2nd in the NHL to Pastarnak in goals. That goal he scored today was an elite play to be in close and quickly flip the puck up into corner of the net with a defensive player and goalie there.

 

10 minutes ago, jsb said:

The last 2-3 years I would have said Matthews, this year Jack's lightbulb just went off or he just decided he's sick of losing and he's taken this team on his back and he is playing at a different level than before. Right now his all around game and scoring acumen to boot puts Jack as the man in this poll. In fact there's most likely not many on one hand you'd give the vote to over him right now. 

I'm not biased, agree with both these posts, JE is clearly the bigger impact guy at this juncture.

[carpandean]

Might just be me, but over the years, I have generally seen this ...

I won't notice Matthews for most of the game, then he'll suddenly have the puck and put it in the net in an exciting/impressive way.  Sometimes twice.

I will notice Jack all game, for good and bad, part of which is usually him scoring and setting up goals.

 

This year, Jack's good have become far more frequent than his bad, as has his scoring.

 

Edited December 15, 2019 by carpandean

[SABRES 0311]

1. Eichel has the ability to drag teammates with him. No way Sam and VO have the stats they do without him.

2. He also commands respect from opposition defense. We all see how they give him room most of the time so as not to get turned inside out. 

3. He is deceptively strong. Watch him when he gets pinned against the boards or when dmen lean on him. 
 

4. He is starting to lead off the ice. Best (only one I can think of) example was when Dahlin had to sit and Jack gave him the pep talk. 
 

5. He is becoming more and more defensively aware. Backchecking and providing competent coverage are becoming a natural part of his game.

Matthews will be remembered like Ovi, a one trick pony. Eichel, like Crosby in that he does more for the team than himself. 

Edited December 15, 2019 by SABRES 0311

[GASabresIUFAN]

The better question is how long until Eichel overtakes MacKinnon?

[bunomatic]

Being in Toronto certainly helps Mathews gain recognition and helps with his self promotion. The league, media and fans are slowly coming to the realization we all have. Jack is a star.

[SABRES 0311]

13 minutes ago, GASabresIUFAN said:

The better question is how long until Eichel overtakes MacKinnon?

Let me ask you. With the game on the line whose stick would you rather the puck be on?

[woods-racer]

The results of the poll seem to indicate a bias on the part of Sabres fans.

 

But I know better.

 

 

 

 

Edited December 15, 2019 by woods-racer

[Pimlach]

Jack is blossoming into super star, elite, level 

He is in the class of the top 4 with McDavid, McKinnon, and Mathews.  He is past Mathews as an overall player and he does more with less.  He is on a trajectory to #2, which is where McKinnon is now. 

[Doohicksie]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

 

What a funny thread.  ? ? ?

[Thorner]

McDavid, MacKinnon, Eichel. 

That’s the list. 

[Derrico]

I’m just waiting to hear from @pi2000

Right now I think it’s jack and not even close. Then when you factor in jack has what $2 mil less long term cap hit (Pi was right about AM holding out for the absolute max cash he could) it becomes even better.  

[R_Dudley]

 Two way game needs to be there to be on that list IMHO. Jacks is this year Matthews never has been.

That's not Sabres bias but facts.

Nuff said.  

[Beer]

 

The command and respect when the puck is on this man’s stick is unrivaled.  Matthews has a lethal shot but I have never seen him drive play like Eichel.  I completely agree with Thorny’s top 3 and I suspect that is how this year will wrap up.  Jack could even be in the #2 spot.

Edited December 15, 2019 by Beer

[GASabresIUFAN]

15 hours ago, Thorny said:

McDavid, MacKinnon, Eichel. 

That’s the list. 

Crosby?

[pi2000]

Matthews loves money.

Eichel loves hockey.

[Brawndo]

47 minutes ago, pi2000 said:

Matthews loves money.

Eichel loves hockey.

[Torpedo Forecheck]

18 hours ago, Thorny said:

McDavid, MacKinnon, Eichel. 

That’s the list. 

That's how I'd rank 'em too