Oilers’ Evan Bouchard became the third-fastest defenceman ever to reach 40 career playoff points

A secondary assist on Leon Draisaitl’s power-play goal in the first period saw Bouchard record his 40th career playoff point. In doing so in his 37th career postseason game, he became the third fastest defenceman in NHL history to reach this feat behind only Bobby Orr (33 games) and Brian Leetch (32 games). He would go on to one-up himself by getting point #41 with a clutch goal in the final minute of regulation that helped secure the victory and even the series at two apiece.

This latest accomplishment is another feather in the cap of the 24-year-old defenceman’s best playoff run of his career. Not only is he already two points back of his totals from last spring and in three fewer games played, but he has come into his own on the opposite end of the ice and has taken his game to new heights. Bouchard has been Edmonton’s unquestioned best blueliner in these playoffs and his partnership with Mattias Ekholm has been dynamic in terms of its effectiveness.

As of now, he is sitting third on the team in scoring with 15 points (four goals and 11 assists) in nine postseason games. Only Draisaitl and Connor McDavid have recorded more this spring than the 10th overall pick of the 2018 NHL Draft.

Suffice it to say that how Bouchard performs the rest of the way will be a big factor in how far the Oilers go. He has been a difference-maker every night and helps elevate his team’s chances at winning whenever he steps foot on the ice. Given that he has been able to do all of this while making just under $4 million a season, there is an argument to be made he has the best-value contract in the league right now among defensemen.

He and the Oilers will look to take control of the series lead in Game 5 on Thursday. You can catch the action on Sportsnet and CBC, with puck drop scheduled for 8 p.m. MDT.