What Happened
According to Sportsnet, Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard is off to the best start of his career. Through four games he has 11 points and leads the entire NHL with six goals. He has also been on the ice for 11 even-strength goals for and just one against. The report follows a three-point, plus-four performance Wednesday in Anaheim.
Key Details
- Bouchard, 26, has 11 points in four games this season.
- His six goals lead the entire NHL.
- At even strength he has been on the ice for 11 goals for and one against.
- He posted three points and a plus-four rating Wednesday in Anaheim.
- Leon Draisaitl praised Bouchard's poise and decision-making with the puck.
- Sportsnet reports the start is reshaping criticism of Bouchard's defensive play.
What It Means
The early numbers push back on the long-running criticism that Bouchard is unreliable in his own zone. An 11-1 even-strength goal differential over four games is a striking figure for a defenseman whose defensive play has been questioned around the league. His production also gives Edmonton's blue line a scoring threat beyond what the team has recently had.