Oilers coach Knoblauch sends a message to Evan Bouchard after brutal turnover
Photo credit: USA Today Sports
The Edmonton Oilers returned to action today, and some familiar problems immediately arose, with one being turnovers from Evan Bouchard.
Many Oilers fans and media have been critical of Bouchard this season for frequent turnovers, even though he actually ranks in the top 5 in the NHL for least turnovers.
Evan Bouchard gets benched after turnover leads directly to goal against
In today's game against the Philadelphia Flyers, Bouchard turned the puck over once again that led directly to a goal against. For a few shifts afterwards, Bouchard was skipped in the rotation.
Off a defensive zone faceoff, Bouchard fumbled playing a puck and sent it softly into the slot, where Philly grabbed it and made a clean play to beat Stuart Skinner.
It was the second costly turnover from Bouchard in this game, and many fans and media criticized him for the poor play. The coaches must've agreed too, as they skipped over Bouchard in favour of Darnell Nurse next time out.
Bouchard's second giveaway that leads directly to a goal against. He needs to be sharper with his puck management. He has the skill where it shouldn't be an issue, but it has been too often this season.
Bouchard needed wake up call after two poor plays vs Philadelphia Flyers
The stats still say Bouchard is an elite defenceman, and his skill is clearly seen in the eye test too - but the second turnover is an unacceptable weak play that deserves a benching.
Bouchard may be having a tougher season than last year, but he will still be a major piece to the Oilers playoffs. With 44 points in 55 games from the blue line, he's clearly one of the best offensive defenders in the league.
Coach Knoblauch could be sending a message with this benching now, trying to whip his team into shape for the stretch run of the season.
Hopefully Bouchard can hear the message loud and clear, and bear down to make the right play to get the puck out of the zone when it matters.
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