Oilers defenceman Evan Bouchard responds to his critics in a major turn
Photo credit: Imagn Images
Oilers defenceman Evan Bouchard was one of the players taking the most heat during the team's slow start, but he's turned around his game entirely this month.
In the first month of the season, Bouchard was admittedly not at his best. He was making ugly turnovers, low percentage plays, and missing his defensive coverage too often. Just after signing a $42M contract this start looked worrying, but now he's back to mid-season form.
Evan Bouchard takes a major step forward in game vs. Florida Panthers
Even the most ardent Bouchard critic should be able to admit one thing: he elevates his play in the most important games.
In an emotional Cup Final rematch against the Panthers, Bouchard stepped up to deliver arguably his best game of the season. He notched 3 points, a +5 rating, and is now up to 11 points in his last 10 games.
More importantly though, his defensive results were also stellar. In the month of November, the Oilers have had their best defensive results with Bouchard on the ice.
When he's at his best, Bouchard is a two-way roamer who is one of the best puck movers from the blueline in the NHL. His skillset perfectly compliments the Oilers offence to reach their full potential, and it's key to their success.
Despite all this and even Bouchard's turnaround from a slow start, many NHL pundits are still out on him. Former Oiler Chris Pronger was railing against Bouchard and his Team Canada chances on Sportsnet's panel last night.
But if he keeps up this level of play, Bouchard will go on to have another great season - and should be selected for Team Canada.
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