NHL Records: The Bouchard Expansion—How One Night Created the NHL’s Exclusive Two-Team Club
Before January 24, 2026, the Boston Bruins held a singular, not overly-publicized crown in the NHL record books. They were the only franchise in history to have three different defensemen record a six-point game. Boston defensemen Bobby Orr, Ray Bourque, and Glen Wesley formed the “Golden 3” of defensive scoring that no other team has matched.
That changed when the Edmonton Oilers beat the Washington Capitals on January 24, 2026. Evan Bouchard didn't just have a career game; he shattered that monopoly. By putting up three goals and three assists in a 6-5 thriller, Bouchard pulled the Edmonton Oilers alongside the Boston Bruins.
Breaking the Boston Monopoly
Until Bouchard’s explosion, the Oilers were "stuck" on two. The legendary Paul Coffey (who holds the NHL record with 8 points) and Kevin Lowe (who posted 6 points in 1983) were the only Edmonton blueliners to reach the milestone. For decades, that list remained closed. By adding his name to the ledger, Evan Bouchard bridged the gap between the 1980s dynasty and the modern era. He proved that the Oilers’ DNA of high-octane defense is alive and well in 2026.
A Statistical Masterclass
The manner in which Bouchard created this exclusive two-team club was spectacular. He factored into every single goal Edmonton scored. By recording his first NHL hat trick followed by three assists, he became one of only four defensemen in history—joining Bobby Orr, Tom Bladon, and Doug Crossman—to hit the 3-goal, 3-assist mark in one night. To seal the legacy, he provided the primary assist to Connor McDavid in overtime. It wasn't just a high-scoring night; it was a dominant display of elite playmaking.
The "Big Three" Comparison
The record books now show a fascinating mirror image between the two of the greatest offensive-defenseman factories in hockey:
The Boston Trio: Bobby Orr, Ray Bourque, and Glen Wesley
The Edmonton Trio: Paul Coffey, Kevin Lowe, and Evan Bouchard
While other legendary franchises like the Montreal Canadiens, Philadelphia Flyers, and Pittsburgh Penguins have had two players reach this mark, only the Boston Bruins and Edmonton Oilers can claim this level of historic depth of offensive power on the blue line.
A Club of Their Own
By earning his way into this room, Bouchard has elevated the Edmonton Oilers’ legacy. The Boston Bruins are no longer the sole owners of this history. Thanks to the Evan Bouchard, the NHL’s defensive record book has a new co-tenant.