Oilers Evan Bouchard Is on a Tear. Is Bobby Orr Out of

Sometimes a hockey player gets so hot that you just sit back and enjoy the show. Edmonton Oilers defenceman Evan Bouchard is putting on one of those shows right now, and even Saturday’s ugly 7-2 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs couldn’t spoil it completely.

Bouchard picked up two assists against Toronto, including one on the power play. That gives him 21 points in the season, with seven goals and 14 assists. He’s third in NHL scoring and third in assists. Not bad for a defenceman, is it?

But here’s the number that really caught my eye: Bouchard has collected 13 points during an eight-game scoring streak. Ten of those points have come on assists, and half of those assists have been on the power play. He’s also fired 21 shots during that stretch. The defenceman is seeing the game beautifully right now.

Bouchard Is Giving the Oilers Something Special.

Let’s be sensible for a minute. Bouchard is on a pace that would put him around 160 points over a full season. That isn’t going to happen. Even the very best offensive defencemen eventually cool off, and opponents will spend more time trying to make his life difficult. Still, it’s worth appreciating what we’re watching.

Bobby Orr holds the single-season NHL record for points by a defenceman, with 139 in 1970-71. Paul Coffey came within a point of matching that mark in 1985-86. Those are some pretty lofty names to bring into a conversation about Bouchard, and nobody needs to start making comparisons just yet.

But Edmonton has a defenceman who can change a game with his passing, his shot, and his ability to find the open man. When the power play gets rolling, Bouchard is a big part of the reason. And there’s another reason Oilers fans should be enjoying this season. Connor McDavid is flying, too, and watching two elite offensive talents find another gear at the same time is something special.

Enjoy the Bouchard Ride, Oilers Fans.

Saturday’s loss reminded everyone that even a team with this much firepower can have a bad night. Bouchard can’t fix every problem, and the Oilers will need better than what they delivered against Toronto. But one poor game shouldn’t take away from what Bouchard has accomplished.

He’s off to a terrific start. He’s producing at an extraordinary rate, and he’s giving Edmonton another weapon opponents have to worry about. Will he keep scoring at this pace? Of course not.

Does that mean we shouldn’t enjoy it while it lasts? Not a chance.