Oilers Thoughts: Dominance in closeout games and Evan Bouchard’s breakout

The Edmonton Oilers have done a very good job of finishing off playoff series when leading during the Connor McDavid era.

Since their first playoff run with McDavid and Draisaitl back in 2017, they’ve made a habit of finishing off opponents at the first opportunity. From knocking out the San Jose Sharks in Game 6 that year, to slamming the door shut on the Flames in 2022 and dispatching the Canucks and Stars in 2024, the Oilers simply don’t miss when it’s time to deliver the knockout punch.

Just look at their history against the Los Angeles Kings: four series, four chances to eliminate them, four decisive victories. The Kings have never survived an elimination game against McDavid’s Oilers. Even when you factor in tough Game 7 losses against the Ducks in 2017 and the Panthers in last year’s Stanley Cup Final, Edmonton still boasts an impressive 8-2 record when they’re in position to finish off a series. And when you add in the games where they’ve faced elimination themselves? That record jumps to a remarkable 15-6, thanks in large part to their clutch performances against Florida last June.

On Wednesday night at T-Mobile Arena, they have a chance to punch their second-straight ticket to the Western Conference Final by closing out the Vegas Golden Knights.

What makes this Oilers team especially dangerous is their proven ability to win even when they’re not at their best. Remember Games 3 and 4 against the Kings? Edmonton got outplayed for stretches but still found ways to score big goals. Even the Game 6 clincher wasn’t their sharpest effort, but they got the job done.

In this series against the Golden Knights, it’s clear that when Edmonton brings their A-game, Vegas just can’t keep up. In the series opener, the Oilers dominated, limiting Vegas to fewer than five even-strength shots over the final two periods. Game 4 was just as impressive. Vegas managed just seven high-danger shot attempts at 5-on-5—not even shots on goal, just attempts. That’s total domination.

The Oilers completely control their own destiny tonight. Bring their best, and Vegas is done. Anything less, and the series could shift back to Edmonton.

EVAN BOUCHARD’S PLAYOFF PERFORMANCE

Over the past three weeks, Evan Bouchard has erased any doubts about his regular-season struggles and shown he’s unquestionably a top-pair NHL defenseman.

Bouchard has certainly faced some ups and downs this year, but let’s be real, even at his worst, he was still Edmonton’s most reliable defender. Now, in the playoffs, he’s turned it up to another level. He’s leading all NHL defensemen in playoff points, a feat he’s achieved the last two postseasons as well. It’s not just about the points this year, his defensive game has been outstanding.

Yes, he’s been on the ice for 13 goals against at 5-on-5, tying Darnell Nurse for the team lead. But dig deeper: alongside Nurse, he’s allowed eight goals in just 80 minutes. Away from Nurse? Only five goals in 121 minutes. That’s an eye-opening difference.

His ability to disrupt rushes, prevent clean zone entries, and quickly move pucks up to the Oilers’ elite forwards makes him invaluable. He’s not a traditional shutdown defender, but his smart, aggressive, puck-moving style is just as effective at limiting goals.

The coaching staff clearly sees it too. They’ve trusted him with more penalty-kill minutes as these playoffs heat up, and his stats on the PK are by far the best among Oilers defenders who’ve spent significant time shorthanded.
Bouchard was always known for elite offensive talent and playoff heroics, but this year he’s taken another massive leap forward. A big payday is surely coming this offseason—but right now, all that matters is that Evan Bouchard is playing like a bona fide star, elevating his game and leading the Oilers toward playoff victory.