Oilers Defenseman Bouchard Joins Elite Group With Six-Point Game — But Why Isn’t Anyone Discussing What This REALLY Means? 

Oilers Defenseman Bouchard Joins Elite Group With Six-Point Game — But Why Isn’t Anyone Discussing What This REALLY Means?

EDMONTON — Evan Bouchard just achieved something incredible that changed the history of the NHL, but the response from everyone seems surprisingly low-key. On a night that should have sparked endless conversation, the Edmonton Oilers’ defenseman quietly became part of an exclusive group meant for legends — and might have revealed a larger topic that hockey fans are not addressing.

Bouchard had a stunning game with six points — scoring three goals and adding three assists — during an exciting 6-5 victory against the Washington Capitals, marking his 400th game in the regular season. Only three defensemen in NHL history have ever done this before him: Bobby Orr, Tom Bladon, and Doug Crossman. This isn’t just “elite. ” This is something truly special.

Still, the news stories seem to focus more on Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, or concerns about the Oilers’ defense. Here’s the tough fact: Evan Bouchard might be changing how people see the role of a modern NHL defenseman — and the league doesn’t seem ready to recognize it.

With 14 goals and 41 assists, Bouchard is scoring at a rate that many forwards would envy. Critics often point out his defensive mistakes, but performances like this bring up an awkward question: When does being strong offensively matter more than what a defenseman is supposed to do?

Bouchard himself downplayed the moment, saying the team’s victory was more important than making history. But fans understand the truth. Games like this do more than just win; they shift how people think about players, influence contracts, and show how offensive defensemen are still underappreciated in today’s NHL.

If this were Bobby Orr in 1970, the whole league would be going crazy.

Instead, Evan Bouchard quietly skates away, making history while the skeptics continue their chatter, and Edmonton has a powerful player that the rest of the NHL may not fully appreciate.

You can overlook him if you wish — but history is already noticing.