Evan Bouchard picked quite the night to deliver a career performance - his 400th NHL game, a milestone that turned into a showcase of offensive firepower and resilience. The Edmonton Oilers defenseman didn’t just show up - he took over, posting a six-point night that included a hat trick, three assists, and a highlight-reel diving play to keep a dying play alive. It was the kind of performance that reminded everyone just how dynamic Bouchard can be when he’s locked in.
Let’s start with the history: Bouchard became the first Oilers defenseman to notch a hat trick since 2006. That alone would’ve been headline-worthy.
But he wasn’t done. He also assisted on a third-period tying goal, made a full-extension dive at the blue line to keep the puck in the zone - leading to another game-tying goal with just 31 seconds left - and then capped the night by setting up Connor McDavid’s overtime winner.
Six points. From a defenseman. In a game where the Oilers needed every single one of them.
This was the full Evan Bouchard experience - moments of brilliance, a few of frustration, and ultimately the kind of night that tilts the ice in your favor. Edmonton’s 6-5 win over the Washington Capitals was anything but smooth.
The Oilers repeatedly gave up leads, forcing themselves to chase the game. But every time they needed a spark, Bouchard delivered.
He opened the scoring to give Edmonton a 1-0 lead. After the Capitals answered, he struck again to make it 2-1.
When that lead vanished, he completed the hat trick to tie things at 3-3. And when the game slipped again, he was the setup man - first assisting McDavid to make it 4-4, then keeping the puck alive with that diving effort before feeding Zach Hyman for the 5-5 equalizer.
And finally, in overtime, it was Bouchard again - this time feeding McDavid for the game-winner, putting an exclamation point on a night that will be tough to top.
For a team that’s been riding a wave of momentum but still searching for consistency, this kind of performance from the blue line is massive. Bouchard’s offensive instincts have never been in question, but when he’s engaged on both ends and making plays like that diving puck save at the line, he becomes a game-changer - not just a contributor.
The Oilers needed someone to be special, and Bouchard answered the call. On a night where defensive lapses nearly cost them, it was their own defenseman who became the hero.