Evan Bouchard hits rock bottom with unacceptable play

If the Edmonton Oilers managed to push last night’s game against the Buffalo Sabres in overtime, it wasn’t thanks to defenseman Evan Bouchard.

Trailing 3-0 at the start of the third period, captain Connor McDavid took matters into his own hands, scoring two goals, including the buzzer beater to force the overtime.

It was however too little too late for Edmonton, who lost moments later in the extra frame, but the Oilers’ brilliant performance in the third period in a comeback attempt has been quickly overshadowed by a terrible play of Bouchard. The blue liner committed an awful turn over right in front of his own net on the Sabres’ second goal of the night and immediately he was trending with many fans and pundits claiming he had just destroyed his chances to crack the Team Canada roster for the upcoming Olympics in Milan.

After his costly play, it’s hard to imagine Bouchard convincing Team Canada selection committee he’s ready for the Olympics. There is still time for management to make the final choices to the roster, but at this point, they are watching and seeing everything. And Bouchard’s error has cast a long shadow over his international aspirations.