Evan Bouchard (Perry Nelson-Imagn Images) [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/223247a6-c20b-4dc5-9978-80d68b69b5b3.jpeg] Evan Bouchard (Perry Nelson-Imagn Images) When you put Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard in the playoff spotlight, he can put up points from the blueline like not many others. In the first round against the Los Angeles Kings [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/los-angeles-kings], he once again found a way to be a significant offensive contributor for the Oilers [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/edmonton-oilers] – and he’s been a crucial part of the team tying the series when they could’ve been facing elimination. Avry Lewis-McDougall's video column examines Evan Bouchard's first-round accomplishments and what it means for his next contract. With his goals in Game 3 and Game 4 wins [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/edmonton-oilers/latest-news/oilers-key-player-grades-big-win-creates-new-series] against Los Angeles [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/los-angeles-kings/game-day/kings-cant-afford-to-let-another-series-slip-away], Bouchard became just the fourth NHL defenseman to have multi-goal performances in consecutive outings in the same post-season, and he’s the first to do so since 2002. He’s also the first Oilers defenseman to have multi-goal games in the same post-season since Paul Coffey. Those are small but elite groups to be in. The Kings know about Bouchard’s playoff prowess very well. When it comes to defenders, no one has had more points against the Kings than Bouchard [https://x.com/mryanreed/status/1916712662886449396?t=qUu-d8wpUB6m0snQA44b9g&s=19] in NHL post-season history. While Connor McDavid may not be the self-proclaimed expert in Bouchard’s ability to pick corners or the “Bouch Bombs” as fans have dubbed his slapshots, he appreciates the pending RFA continuing to be one of the biggest contributors to Edmonton’s playoff success. “He’s finding ways to score goals back there,” McDavid said post-game. “It’s been fun to watch over the years. He’s a special player offensively. His shot is great. He makes good plays with the puck, two big ones (goals) tonight.” Avry Lewis-McDougall has more on Bouchard coming up clutch in the first round – and what it means for his next contract – in his latest video column. Get the latest news and trending stories by following The Hockey News on Google News [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw?hl=en-CA&gl=CA&ceid=CA%3Aen] and by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here [http://eepurl.com/i7OC4I]. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com.
