Evan Bouchard Chewed Out By Coach Paul Coffey For Nearing a Terrible NHL Record
Photo credit: Shaughn Butts - Postmedia
Evan Bouchard was on his way to breaking an NHL record for shot attempts blocked, until Coach Paul Coffey chewed him out and got him to change course.
Oilers analyst Louie DeBrusk shared the story between Bouchard and Coffey on a recent podcast, saying that the team was aware of the record and wanted Bouchard to change course.
Evan Bouchard has an absolute weapon of a slap shot, which contributed to him scoring an incredible 18 goals last season.
Part of his success last year was incredible shot selection, and the patience to walk the blue line to find an opening to the net.
Firing a puck into an opponent's shin pad can lead to breakaway chances the other way and completely stifles zone offence, so it's great to see Coffey notice the trend and make sure Bouchard gets the message.
Bouchard's patented slap shot, the Bouch Bomb, is a weapon of a shot that needs to get through to the net.
With a skilled defenceman like Bouchard, some turnovers and mistakes are inevitable. However, his offensive contributions far outweigh the defensive drawbacks.
Bouchard is a rare talent as an elite right-shot offensive defenceman, and the Oilers are incredibly fortunate to have him.
Paul Coffey is the perfect mentor as someone who had real experience in Bouchard's role, as an Oilers defender playing with generationally talented forwards.
When the entire Oilers roster gets their offensive game going again, which is bound to happen, Bouchard will be a major piece of its success.
Previously on Oilers Daily
POLL |
NOVEMBRE 20 | 75 ANSWERS Evan Bouchard Chewed Out By Coach Paul Coffey For Nearing a Terrible NHL Record Have you noticed Bouchard making better shot decisions lately? |
Yes, he's improved | 15 | 20 % |
No | 50 | 66.7 % |
He needs to shoot more | 9 | 12 % |
See Results | 1 | 1.3 % |
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