McDavid Fires Back After Media Criticism of Bouchard

“You guys can say what you want about him. We love him in there. We know his best is among the very, very, very best.” That was Connor McDavid to the media after Saturday’s overtime win, where defenseman Evan Bouchard scored the game-winner. Coming off a game where Bouchard was not good and cost the Oilers the win against the New York Rangers, Bouchard was more his typical superb self.

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The Oilers found a way to get two points on Saturday, beating the Chicago Blackhawks and Connor Bedard 3-2. McDavid was 0-3-3, Leon Draisaitl 1-1-2, and Bouchard’s game-winning goals capped off a 1-1-2 night.

Bouchard has been taking a lot of heat from fans and the media for his inconsistent and often poor play. A $10.5 million defenseman, the biggest issue seems to be the stark difference between his highs and his lows. Saturday was a high. However, this season, he’s had too many lows. It has drawn attention, and as the media hammered him over the head about his turnovers after the Rangers’ loss, all Bouchard could say was “Yeah, it’s obviously happening a little more.” He added, “That’s definitely got to get cleaned up, but playing harder is going to be something I’ll have to do.”

His game on Saturday wasn’t perfect, but it was much better. Regardless, it’s clear McDavid has his back. “Isn’t that the most Bouch thing ever?” stated McDavid as he talked about Bouchard standing in there and taking the criticism, then responding with the overtime goal that wins it for Edmonton.

“We’ve got his back no matter what’s going on. His play can be better, everyone’s play can be better, but really happy for him to get that big goal and quiet some people a little bit.”

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