Oilers GM Stan Bowman Reveals Another Severe Injury to Core Player in Playoffs
Photo credit: Perry Nelson - USA Today Sports
Oilers GM Stan Bowman revealed in a recent interview that Evan Bouchard was very doubtful to play through a painful injury in the Stanley Cup Final.
While plenty of Oilers were surely playing through issues, not many injuries were made public after the Final. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins was known to have played through a broken bone in his hand, but Bouchard's injury is news.
Evan Bouchard was doubtful to play in Stanley Cup Final through painful injury
In a recent interview with the 100% Hockey Podcast Oilers GM Stan Bowman revealed that team doctors were actually telling management that Bouchard won't be able to play - but he gutted it out anyway.
Bouch is an amazing athlete too. He's underrated that way, in phenomenal shape. He's best durable. He played through a ton of pain this year.
There were some games this playoffs, talking to the doctor after the game, he's like 'I don't think Bouch is going to be able to go tomorrow.'
No one ever heard about that, right? That he was really gutting it out, but he just sort of goes out there and plays.
- Stan Bowman
There were some games this playoffs, talking to the doctor after the game, he's like 'I don't think Bouch is going to be able to go tomorrow.'
No one ever heard about that, right? That he was really gutting it out, but he just sort of goes out there and plays.
- Stan Bowman
Evan Bouchard still dominated in playoffs through painful injury
Not only did Bouchard gut it out just to be on the ice, but he was still an incredible contributor for the Oilers this playoffs. The blueliner scored 23 points in 22 games, including 6 in the Final.
Bouchard has sort of a nonchalant style of play with his smooth skating and poise with the puck. It can sometimes lead to frustrations with the fanbase when he gets burned, or makes an errant pass - but Bouchard is largely delivering positive contributions to the Oilers that have him ranked among the best defenceman in the NHL.
Now locked up to a new contract for next season, the Oilers are fortunate to have a skilled right shot defenceman like Bouchard on their squad for more deep playoff runs.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 27 | 457 ANSWERS Oilers GM Stan Bowman Reveals Another Severe Injury to Core Player in Playoffs Did you notice Bouchard playing hurt in the playoffs? | ||
| Yes | 124 | 27.1 % |
| No | 333 | 72.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
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