Oilers’ Evan Bocuhard makes exclusive NHL history in Game 7 win

The Oilers fell behind 3-2 in this series to the Canucks. But a big-time performance on home ice in Game 6 helped force Game 7 on Monday night. Through the first period, Edmonton threw as many shots as they could at Canucks goalie Arturs Silvos. But he stopped every single one as Edmonton’s defense held Vancouver to just two shots.

In the second period, Edmonton finally broke through. Defenseman Cody Ceci scored his first goal of the postseason to make it a 1-0 game. Bouchard then provided the primary assist on each of the next two goals. By the end of the second, the visitors had a 3-0 lead and all of the momentum.

In the third, Vancouver showed some life. Veteran forward Conor Garland made it a two-goal game thanks to a turnover in Edmonton’s defensive zone. And defenseman Filip Hronek cut the lead to just one goal with around four and a half minutes remaining. But, Edmonton hung on to win this game and advance.

Another trip to the West Final

Evan Bouchard and the Oilers are headed back to the Western Conference Finals. Their last appearance was back during the 2022 season. There, they took on the Colorado Avalanche. It was expected to be a tight series, but reality went in a different direction. Colorado swept Edmonton en route to a Stanley Cup championship.

Last season, Edmonton found themselves in the second round against the Vegas Golden Knights. Unfortunately, a return to the West Final wasn’t on the cards. The Golden Knights won the series in six games. Vegas went on to win the Stanley Cup over the Florida Panthers last season.

This year, the Oilers are looking to make the Stanley Cup Final after many years away. The last time Edmonton played for the Cup directly was in 2006. They matched up with the Carolina Hurricanes but fell in seven games. Before that, though, their last appearance came in 1990 when they defeated the Boston Bruins.

Awaiting them in 2024 is the Dallas Stars. Dallas made the Western Conference Finals just last season. They, too, fell to the Golden Knights. This year, they avenged that loss to Vegas in round one of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Dallas then took out the Avalanche, defeating them in six games.

Evan Bouchard and the Oilers are certainly a force to be reckoned with. But the Stars have a lot going for them, as well. This is certainly going to be must-watch hockey for any fan of the sport. Game 1 takes place on Thursday night in Dallas with puck drop currently scheduled for 8:30 PM Eastern Time.