Mar 10, 2022; Buffalo, New York, USA; Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel (9) before a face-off during the first period against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

Former Buffalo Sabres star Jack Eichel made his return to Buffalo on Thursday for the first time since his November trade to the Vegas Golden Knights. When the game was over, he had some interesting things to say about the reaction he got.

Eichel said some nice things about the Sabres and the video tribute he received. When he turned his attention to the fans, Eichel had some nice things to say. He also had some jabs that were about as subtle as a punch to the face.

Those comments weren’t especially well received.

https://twitter.com/JoeYerdon/status/1502121207486980096

It was indeed a happy night for Eichel’s old team as the Sabres defeated the Golden Knights 3-1. Making matters even sweeter for the Buffalo fans, Alex Tuch’s game-clinching goal came after he intercepted a pass from Eichel, who skated right by him and down the ice for the uncontested empty netter.

Given the circumstances around his departure, Eichel’s return to Buffalo was always going to be emotional. That’s frequently the case when an old player returns to his previous city for the first time as an opponent. Usually the intensity simmers in subsequent visits but after his comments, Eichel should expect nothing of the kind.

Normally, we don’t think of the Sabres and Golden Knights as a particularly intense rivalry. That won’t be the case going forward. The two teams don’t play again this season but when Eichel returns to Buffalo next year, it will be worth watching.

[Matthew Bové, Jesse Granger]

About Michael Dixon

About Michael:
-- Writer/editor for thecomeback.com and awfulannouncing.com.
-- Bay Area born and raised, currently living in the Indianapolis area.
-- Twitter:
@mfdixon1985 (personal).
@michaeldixonsports (work).
-- Email: mdixon@thecomeback.com
Send tips, corrections, comments and (respectful) disagreements to that email. Do the same with pizza recommendations, taco recommendations and Seinfeld quotes.