On Thursday night, the Las Vegas Golden Knights got a huge win against the eastern-conference leading Florida Panthers, 5-3. However, it might prove to have been a pyrrhic victory for Las Vegas. During the second period, All-Star center Jack Eichel blocked a shot with his hand. He left the ice and did not return to the game.

After the game, Golden Knights coach DeBoer talked about Eichel's injury, as NHL.com noted.

“He didn't come back, so obviously it's not good,” coach Peter DeBoer said. “He'll get evaluated, and we'll know more hopefully.”

Las Vegas traded for the superstar center back in November. However, he did not appear in an NHL game until mid-February as he was recovering from back surgery. Eichel had artificial disk replacement surgery, becoming the first NHL player to ever attempt that type surgery.

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Tensions were high between Eichel and his former team, the Buffalo Sabres. The two sides were at odds at what to do to treat Eichel's back. That prompted the Sabres to make the deal with the Golden Knights.

Since he got back onto the ice, Eichel has five goals and five assists in 15 games. That's second on the team in points during that time frame, behind only Jonathan Marchessault.

Las Vegas has been hit hard this season with the injury bug. They have lost starting goalie Robin Lehner, three top-six forwards in Reilly Smith, Max Pacioretty and Mark Stone, as well as a couple key defenseman; all missing extensive time with injuries.

Las Vegas, despite the rash of injuries piling up, are still in playoff contention. They enter Friday's play in the eighth and final playoff spot in the western conference. There are a number of teams bunched up around them on both sides. So, any time missed by Eichel could be the difference between reaching the postseason or not.