Ex-NHL head coach criticizes Evan Bouchard for failing to implement basic defensive fundamentals in loss to Golden Knights

Former NHL head coach Bruce Boudreau has criticized defenseman Evan Bouchard for not applying fundamental defensive skills during the Oilers' 4-2 loss to the Golden Knights on Wednesday.

Bouchard had a struggling game, particularly on the play that led to the first goal by Jack Eichel, who scored at 16:05 of the first period. Eichel was sent in on a breakaway by Shea Theodore, and Bouchard could not keep up with him, allowing the Golden Knights to take an early lead.

On "SportsCentre with Jay Onrait," Boudreau said (1:35):

"I mean, the first goal and the fourth, third goal especially, I thought Bouchard had a really tough, tough time at it. I mean, you look in the forecheck, they don't get it.

"But if you look at right now, it's three on three right here, okay? And then all of a sudden, Bouchard just stops skating. He got caught watching the game instead of playing, and those are tough ones."

The Oilers, who were up 2-1 at the halfway mark of the second period, couldn't maintain their lead, and Vegas capitalized on the powerplay, with Noah Hanifin tying the game 2-2.

Boudreau emphasized that while Bouchard has been instrumental in the Oilers' powerplay line over the past three years, his performance against the Golden Knights highlighted struggles with situational awareness on the ice.

"He's just sort of following the puck and puck-watching instead of looking around and seeing Hanifin behind him. And those are things that, boy, you really look at now, you're sitting there going, on the forecheck, like, who are you picking on defense in critical times like this?" he added.

Bouchard ended the night with three blocks, zero shots and minus-3 during his 28 shifts in the matchup.

Former NHLer on Evan Bouchard

Former Edmonton Oilers defenseman Ryan Whitney shared his thoughts on Bouchard's performance against the Golden Knights.

Whitney expressed concerns about Bouchard's performance this season, saying that it has been far from satisfactory.

"Evan Bouchard is a hell of a player. Shot is a weapon. Moves well. Has great vision. With that said, he’s been horrible to start the year," Whitney wrote on X.

Bouchard has accumulated seven points through three goals and four assists in 14 games with a +4 rating. He's in the final year of a two-year, $7.8 million contract, making him a restricted free agent after the 2024-25 season.