Eichel - McDavid I

by Brett Smith

credit - Yahoo.com

A team from a small Canadian town is coming into the First Niagara Center, but Sabres fans are probably worried about Conor McDavid and little old Edmonton making Buffalo look like small potatoes.

Tonight is the first professional matchup between McDavid and Jack Eichel since the two "generational" players were drafted over the summer and if you've read what the two rookies are saying in the lead up to this tilt; you'd think it'll be just another game, another 60-minute shinny skate on a frozen pond. 

However, for Sabres fans, the emotional stakes of tonight's game are so much bigger. McDavid walking into the FNC is another reminder of how Buffalo always seems to come up short, even in matters of pure luck. 

Normally, Buffalo hockey fans have to contend with an invading legion from the north coming down in support of an entire franchise. The Wildlings From Beyond the Wall invade our bars, chat up our women (and men) and parade to the arena with an occasional muted chant. Whether its the Leafs, Sens or Habs -- Sabres fans just have to hope that their team comes out on top.

Tonight will be much different. Canadians aren't just coming down to support the Oilers, they coming down to support Hockey Canada. They expect to see signs that the Great White North will continue to dominate its southern and more populous neighbor's USA Hockey for years to come.

Not only do the Sabres have to win tonight, Sabres fans also have to see Eichel crush McDavid in every facet of the game.

Its a lot to ask and most Sabres fans won't probably own up to thinking that way. But, when Canadian fans start chanting "Conor's Better" -- expect the white-knuckling to begin.