Bouchard reveals reason why he plays so much better for Edmonton Oilers in playoffs
Evan Bouchard has once again proven that he is among the best playoff defencemen in the entire NHL.
The 25-year-old defender has put together an excellent postseason run, scoring six goals and 17 points through 14 games. That leads all NHL defencemen in playoff scoring and is tied for third among all positions as well.
Bouchard has been a divisive player among the Oilers fanbase throughout his career, with many saying his defensive lapses prevent him from being considered a top player at his position. That hasn’t been the case in this year’s playoffs, having stepped up both his play with and without the puck.
It’s the third straight season that Bouchard has been able to elevate his game when it matters most, having scored 32 points in 34 games last season and then 17 points in 12 games the year prior.
So, what makes him tick in the playoffs? Reporters asked him that question on Monday morning.
“It’s that time of year where you get up excited and ready to play every single time,” Bouchard said. “I think it’s a fun time of year, everybody looks forward to it, to play in these games.
“The team steps up, and that makes individuals step up too.”
#Oilers defenceman Evan Bouchard & forward Trent Frederic spoke with the media following today's practice.@Enterprise | #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/lvGXR6fnQ2
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) May 26, 2025
This isn’t to say that Bouchard isn’t a good defenceman during the regular season. He’s netted 238 points in 347 career games, which is no small accomplishment, but something clicks for him when the playoffs roll around.
Bouchard’s improvement in the playoffs isn’t marginal, it’s historic. As it stands, he ranks second in NHL history when it comes to points-per-game for a defenceman at 1.11. That is behind only Bobby Orr, who finished his career with 1.24 points-per-game in the postseason.
Not to mention that his 0.28 goals-per-game in the playoffs is the highest of any active NHL defenceman.
Oilers Evan Bouchard's career 0.28 postseason goals per game in the postseason is the highest among active defencemen pic.twitter.com/Ga1spGohVy
— Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) May 25, 2025
He’s also done this without Mattias Ekholm, whom many say is the reason why Bouchard has any success. To do this without Ekholm by his side further proves how much of his success is due to his talent and ability.
Oilers teammate Trent Frederic said he isn’t surprised to see Bouchard play how he does.
“Everyone would talk about how good he was,” Frederic said. “I remember riding the bike in the weight room [with the Boston Bruins] and a lot of really good hockey players pumping his tires.
“I’ve kinda known it, it’s fun to watch live, and I know he’s just gonna get better.”
It’s not a stretch to say that when all is said and done, Bouchard could wind up being one of the best offensive defencemen to ever play in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.