What Happened
Evan Bouchard recorded three points (one goal, two assists) before the second period ended on Thursday against the Vancouver Canucks, giving him eight points in the Edmonton Oilers' first two games. That total set an NHL record for the most points by a defenceman in a team's first two games of a season, surpassing the previous mark of seven set by Harry Cameron of the Toronto Arenas in 1917. Bouchard opened the season with a hat trick and five points in Tuesday's overtime loss to the visiting Canucks.
Key Details
- Bouchard has eight points through two games this season.
- He posted a hat trick and five points in the season opener, an OT loss to Vancouver.
- He added one goal and two assists Thursday against the Canucks.
- The previous record of seven points was set by Harry Cameron in 1917.
- His opener hat trick was the first by a defenceman in a season opener since Mark Howe in 1980.
- Bouchard, 26, had 21 goals and 74 assists for 95 points in 82 games last season.
What It Means
Bouchard's start puts him in rare company among offensive defencemen, breaking a record that had stood since the NHL's first season. His 95-point campaign last year already marked a career high, and the early production continues that trajectory for an Oilers blue line that leans on him for offence.
What's Next
Bouchard and the Oilers continue their early-season schedule following the two-game set against Vancouver, with his point streak and record-setting pace a storyline to track.