Evan Bouchard Earns NHL’s Third Star of the Month Honors
In a remarkable achievement, Evan Bouchard has earned NHL’s Third Star of the Month honors for January. The Edmonton Oilers’ defenseman significantly contributed to his team’s successful campaign, amassing 23 points in just 15 games.
Impressive Monthly Performance
Bouchard’s impressive tally included eight goals and 15 assists. This performance positioned him as the leading scoring defenseman in the league. It also ranked him fourth among all skaters for the month of January.
Historical Context of Bouchard’s Achievement
Only two defensemen in the last 33 years have surpassed Bouchard’s points total within a single calendar month. Roman Josi of the Nashville Predators holds the record with 28 points achieved in March 2022. Additionally, Cale Makar from the Colorado Avalanche recorded 25 points in November 2023.
Other Noteworthy Stars of January
Alongside Bouchard, the NHL recognized Nikita Kucherov and David Pastrnak as the first and second stars of the month, respectively.
- Nikita Kucherov:
- Points: 31 (11 goals, 22 assists)
- Games Played: 13
- Team Record: 11-1-1 (1st in Atlantic Division)
- Notable: Achieved third career 30-point month
- David Pastrnak:
- Points: 25 (5 goals, 20 assists)
- Games Played: 14
- Team Record: 11-2-1 (Final playoff spot in Eastern Conference)
- Notable: Highest monthly points for a Bruins player since March 2018
Conclusion
Bouchard’s recognition as the NHL’s Third Star of the Month underscores his vital role in the Oilers’ performance in January. His achievement is not only a testament to his talent but also reflects the competitive nature of the league.
