Oilers coach explains reason for quick pull of goalie Connor Ingram
Oilers' defenseman Evan Bouchard went down in NHL history last night against the Washington Capitals, in what was the best game of his 7-year career.
Coach comments on Oilers' goalie change
Well, three goals on very few shots. But I didn't see it properly on the third goal. It went off one of our defenseman, redirected it. I thought it came straight in. But also, sometimes your team needs a little change of momentum. A lot of it had to do with momentum.
- Coach Knoblauch
- Coach Knoblauch
Though the goalie change may have been the catalyst, it was Bouchard's stellar play that spearheaded the Oilers 6-5 OT win over the Capitals.
And it was a must-win game, after playing poorly in their last two, losses to New Jersey and Pittsburgh respectively.
Well, Bouchard made certain there wouldn't be a third.
In addition to his 3G and 6 points, he did not record a single goals-against when on the ice, which was a considerable 29:25.
He also led all blueliners in 5v5 minutes (19:04), power-play minutes (8:19), and penalty kill minutes (1:58). In those minutes, Washington posted a dismal two high-danger scoring chances and 0.45 expected goals against for the Oilers.
According to Stathead, there have only been six defensemen in NHL history to have recorded at least 3G and 6 points in a game, of which Bobby Orr was one. Any game where you're mentioned with Bobby Orr is certainly a special one.
"In my opinion, he's one of the best defensemen in the league," coach Knoblauch added during the post-game availability. "Everything he does, obviously helps our powerplay, 5 on 5 play. You see how much he drives play and how much everyone benefits when he's on the ice...You don't think he can kill penalties, but he does; he's fabulous at it."
Last night, Bouchard showed just how fabulous he can be.
Also read on Edmonton Hockey Daily :
Connor McDavid takes a shot at Team Canada for Bouchard snub after historic game
Connor McDavid takes a shot at Team Canada for Bouchard snub after historic game
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 25|338 ANSWERS Oilers coach explains reason for quick pull of goalie Connor Ingram Do you think there's more to Bouchard's game than he's shown to date? Is he even better? | ||
| yes | 266 | 78.7 % |
| no | 72 | 21.3 % |
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