NHL: New York Rangers at Edmonton Oilers - Source: Imagn — Evan Bouchard shoulders responsibility for 'unacceptable' lapses in recent games. (Image Source: Imagn)

Evan Bouchard shoulders responsibility for 'unacceptable' lapses in recent games

Modified Dec 17, 2024 10:50 GMT

Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard has taken responsibility for what he described as 'unacceptable' lapses in recent games, particularly following a disappointing 6-5 loss to the Florida Panthers on Monday.

Bouchard's struggles were evident from the start, as he tripped and allowed the Panthers to break away for a scoring opportunity. Shortly after, he took a penalty that cut short the Oilers' power play, compounding his team's difficulties.

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He was also culpable for the game-tying goal, as Evan Bouchard turned the puck over, shifting the momentum in the Panthers's favor. Bouchard acknowledged the need for improvement:

"I wouldn't say gotten away from everyone know myself, maybe yes. So there's definitely work to be done. A lot of everything not acceptable tonight. Yeah, be better next game.

"I just got to find a way to make the play. you never want a game to get out of hand like that. But our team that can score goals, when you score five, you think you're gonna win the game. We didn't. And, yeah, I think that's a good mindset to have.

"You know, you just need one more goal and keep the puck out of our net," he added.

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Evan Bouchard finished the game with a point and one hit and block apiece with a minus-2 rating. This season, the 25-year-old defenseman has racked up 23 points through six goals and 17 assists in 31 games with a +4 rating.

The Oilers host the Boston Bruins at Rogers Place next on Thursday. The puck drops at 9 p.m. ET.

How Evan Bouchard and the Oilers lost to the Panthers

Monday's game between the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place was an 11-goal thriller, with the Panthers narrowly coming out on top.

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Connor McDavid had a standout performance, racking up three points for the Oilers, while Leon Draisaitl and Zach Hyman contributed two points each.

After the Panthers took a 2-1 lead in the first period, the Oilers mounted an impressive comeback, going ahead 4-2 less than 10 minutes into the second period. However, they struggled to maintain that lead, as the Panthers tied the game at 5-5 with 8:02 remaining in the third period.

Carter Verhaeghe scored the decisive goal at 13:05, sealing the win for the Stanley Cup champions. Anton Lundell, Niko Mikkola, Sam Reinhart and Verhaeghe accumulated two points each for the Panthers.