Evan Bouchard’s redemption arc has unfolded before our very eyes.
After costly flubs in Games 1 and 2 contributed to back-to-back losses, Bouchard scored four goals against the Los Angeles Kings in Games 3 and 4 as the Edmonton Oilers tied this first-round series at two games each.
Even his biggest detractors have praised him. Here’s how fans, media, and former players reacted to Bouchard’s two-goal performance in Game 4 on Sunday. 
“For all the naysayers of Evan Bouchard, he just scored two of the most important goals of this season for the Oil. He is a lightning rod with his pending contract. Magical offensively and suspect defensively. Game 5 will be interesting to see which team shows up.” – Chris Pronger via X.
“Bouchard frustrates you so much defensively, then you’re constantly reminded of how much you love him offensively. He’s always been that way since Junior. Hilarious to watch the fanbase get so hot & cold on him game in & game out. He is what he is. Take the good with the bad.” – TheOilGeneral via X.
“Bouchard’s rep would be 100% better if the Oilers had a great goalie and if he didn’t look like the assistant manager of a blockbuster.” – JFreshHockey via X.
“The Evan Bouchard experience is the world’s most insane roller coaster.” – Pete Blackburn via X.
“THAT’S THE HIGHEST SCORING DEFENSEMAN PER GAME IN NHL PLAYOFF HISTORY SHOW HIM SOME RESPECT.” – Raider Jesse via X.
“EVAN BOUCHARD GOD AMONGST MEN OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT.” – Nuggyyybabyyy via X.
“This is why I am not too harsh on Bouchard. Bouch more than makes up for his mistakes. Twice more.” – Sumit_Tripathi via X.
“The amount of anti-Bouchard propaganda I’ve seen on this app during this series is unbelievable. He’s singlehandedly kept us in this series, and takes all the blame for errors that are almost always Nurse’s fault. Pay the man, he shows up when it matters.” – zkhofer44 via X.
“Evan Bouchard is the most confusing player to ever grace the ice.” – Spence_mci via Instagram.
“I’m gonna have to apologize to bouchard for my previous comments, he’s soo on or off, but thank god he’s been incredibly on these past few games.” – kxd_saiko via Instagram.
“I LOVE YOU BOUCH I HAVE NEVER ONCE SAID ANYTHING BAD ABOHT YOU EVER.” – mrsnipes_92 via Instagram.
Legit feed Bouchard one timers I don’t know why they never did that Game 1 & 2 it worked last playoffs.” – ayden_1lee via Instagram.
“Am I crazy to think that Evan Bouchard is the reason why the Oilers are still alive in this series?” – itsWozzz via X.
Evan Bouchard has been a lightning rod for criticism this past season, especially given the discussion of his next contract. At this moment, however, Bouchard is performing when it matters most, playing a crucial role in the team’s success against the L.A. Kings in this series. It’s nice to see all the love towards him for a change, instead of all the negativity and vitriol we’ve seen surrounding his name.
The series now shifts to Los Angeles for Game 5, which is set for Tuesday night at 8 p.m. MST.

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