'He's helped me': Oilers' Bouchard blossoming since arrival of new partner Ekholm
Getting more power play time with some of the best hockey players on the planet has certainly helped but Evan Bouchard also credited a new teammate Wednesday for his recent resurgence.
The 23-year-old Edmonton Oilers defenceman is playing more – and putting up more points – since being paired with Mattias Ekholm on March 1 against Toronto.
Bouchard has nine points in 10 games since then and is averaging more than 21 minutes of ice time.
Prior to playing with Ekholm, and taking over for Tyson Barrie on the top power play unit, he had 21 points in 61 games and averaged about 17 minutes per game.
"The more you play, the more confident you are, the more confident you feel," Bouchard told reporters Wednesday.
"And to have a partner there like [Ekholm] supporting me, it really makes me feel more confident in how I want to play to my abilities and he's helped me out a lot."
Ekholm has also played better since joining Bouchard.
After recording just one assist in his previous 10 games with the Nashville Predators, Ekholm has nine points in 10 games as an Oiler.
The big defenceman, known more for shutting down skilled opponents, also scored two goals Monday night in a 5-4 overtime win against San Jose.
"He's definitely a great teammate. He's a presence out there. You kinda know when he's on the ice, physical play, steadiness, even the offensive contributions," Bouchard said.
"Last game he was massive offensively and defensively and I think it's really paying off here with the team."
After Barrie was included in the Feb. 28 trade for Ekholm, head coach Jay Woodcroft said the team needed Bouchard to step up and play more. He has, with solid results.
"Ekholm's effect on Bouchard, that can't be lost on anybody. I think that pairing has been very good. They've been moving pucks," he told reporters.
"We know what we're getting every day from Mattias Ekholm. I think, as a coach, there's comfort in understanding someone's level of consistency like that. He's come as advertised and as expected."
The Oilers power play has not been as successful so far with Bouchard in Barrie's place, so Woodcroft pointed out there's room for improvement.
"But what I like about it is, with our power play not clicking at its usual rate, we still found a way to find ourselves 8-2. So that's a good thing," Woodcroft said.
The Oilers have won four straight games heading into Wednesday night's game against the Arizona Coyotes who are 6-2-2 in their last 10 games.
Edmonton (40-23-8) faces off against Arizona (27-33-11) shortly after 8:30 p.m. MT at Rogers Place.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.