Oilers’ Evan Bouchard breaks record for assists by a defenseman in single postseason

One of the best young blueliners in the game has etched his name into the record book.

During Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final on Tuesday night, Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard notched three assists against the Florida Panthers, giving him 26 in these playoffs. That surpasses former Oiler, and Hockey Hall of Famer Paul Coffey, for the most assists by a defenseman in a single postseason.

Bouchard broke the record by picking up the secondary assist when Edmonton captain Connor McDavid set up Corey Perry for a power-play goal at the 11:54 mark of the second period, at that point giving Edmonton a 4-1 lead.

Bouchard broke the current assistant coach’s record of 25 assists, which was set during the 1985 playoffs. That year, Coffey also set the record for most goals and points by a blueliner, posting 12 goals and 37 points in 18 games as the Oilers went on to win the franchise’s second straight Stanley Cup.

With 32 points, Bouchard also moved to third in scoring by a defenseman in a single playoff. He passes Al MacInnis’ mark of 31 points during the 1989 postseason, which saw MacInnis lead the Calgary Flames to the Cup, winning the Conn Smyth Trophy in the process.

In his third postseason, the former London Knight has seemingly taken the title of top defenseman on the Edmonton roster. Along with being an offensive force, Bouchard has shown he can be reliable in his own zone as well. In 23 games, he has six goals and 26 assists, along with a plus/minus of +11–which leads all Oiler skaters.

The Oakville, Ontario native came into the playoffs after the best regular-season performance of his young career. Bouchard scored 18 goals and 64 assists for 82 points, missing just one game. He averaged close to 23 minutes a game, finishing with a +34 plus/minus. In 265 career games, Bouchard has registered 41 goals and 130 assists, including 58 points in 51 playoff games.