Evan Bouchard will have a legitimate gripe if any other National Hockey League defenseman is awarded the Norris Trophy as the league's best defenseman. His 95 points were well ahead of other candidates like Cale Makar and Zach Werenski, he played a full 82-game schedule, and a deeper look at his advanced statistics indicates that he played tough competition and still tilted the ice in the Edmonton Oilers' favour more often than not.
He has a rocket of a shot, scores timely goals, and can be depended upon to prevent offensive chances going the other way, regardless of the errant opinions calling him a defensive liability. Now, in a Stanley Cup Playoff series that hasn't showcased the Oilers' best, Bouchard still is showing his elite skill, and he's one of the reasons why there's still a chance for more playoff hockey in Edmonton.
Point Production
If scoring points from the back end were easy, there would be way more people doing it. Bouchard has one goal and six assists, for seven total points in the five games of Edmonton's Round 1 matchup with the Anaheim Ducks. As things stand, that's more production than Connor McDavid, and Bouchard is almost keeping pace with Leon Draisaitl, who is having his usual postseason surge.
Admittedly, there are areas that Bouchard doesn't dominate, due to his style of play. He has precisely three hits in the five playoff games that have occurred in Anaheim and Edmonton. He doesn't have the intimidating presence that a guy like Chris Pronger might have possessed, but Bouchard intimidates in other ways.
Bouchard gets better when it matters most
His booming slapshot has to be terrifying for opposing defenders, more so as a series progresses and they are nursing the bruises from past shot blocks. He also moves laterally as well as any defenseman in the league. Just when a player is bracing to absorb that shot, Bouchard shifts to the side, opening new passing and shooting lanes.
He also possesses a very accurate wrist shot, as seen in the 3-2 goal from Game 4. If Bouchard gets in close, he's an even bigger threat to score.
As the Oilers face possible elimination for the second game in a row, they'll look to their superstars to be the difference makers and force a seventh and deciding game. At this point, Even Bouchard's name is definitely included in that group.
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