Bouchard reveals Draisaitl's secret that created Oilers game-winning goal
They say a magician never reveals their secrets, but that doesn’t apply to Edmonton Oilers defenceman Evan Bouchard.
The 25-year-old offensive defender had himself an incredible Game 3 against the LA Kings, notching two goals, including the eventual game-winner late in the third period. Bouchard’s first goal was a signature power-play bomb from the point, but his second was much different.
In what was a new look for the Oilers PP, Bouchard made a zone entry with the man-advantage, dropped it back to Leon Draisaitl, who then gave it back to the Oilers defenceman for a back-door tap-in.
WELL THAT DIDN'T TAKE LONG!!
THE OILERS HAVE THE LEAD ONCE AGAIN! š¤Æ pic.twitter.com/fVEVo8Afv2
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 26, 2025
It was a beautiful play and one that looked almost too perfect not to be planned. Usually, the Oilers like to drop the puck to Connor McDavid in the neutral zone, who will then use his speed to gain the offensive zone.
Bouchard carrying it himself suggests that the team has changed up their strategy. Draisaitl decided to keep things secret when reporters asked him about it after the game.
“I’m going to keep that private, maybe,” Draisaitl said as reporters chuckled.
"We just connected on our looks & went two for two. Timely goals. We executed well."
Leon Draisaitl on the #Oilers crucial power-play success tonight vs. the Kings.@Enterprise | #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/gKM2rsNQ7v
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) April 26, 2025
While the NHL’s Rocket Richard Trophy winner wants to keep his cards close to the chest, it didn’t seem like Bouchard got the memo. He was also asked about the nature of that play after the game, where he gave a bit more info on how it all came to fruition.
“Leo actually called that play,” Bouchard told Sportsnet’s Gene Principe after the game. “It was a good eye from him, we were kind of pre-scouting it, and it all around worked out.
“You always wanna throw something different at them. We did that and wanna keep them guessing.”
"We know we're never out of a game no matter what."@GenePrincipe chatted with Evan Bouchard after the Oilers got their first win of the series against the Kings. pic.twitter.com/ALjlsct2ac
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 26, 2025
A two-goal night for Bouchard was exactly what he needed after a rather slow start to the series through the first two games.
He is a big reason why the Oilers will have a chance to even things up on home ice when Game 4 gets underway on Sunday night.