Bouchard bounces back, but Oilers know they need to get better
The pitchforks have been out this season for Evan Bouchard.
The mistakes have mounted, and it all came to a head Thursday night against the New York Rangers. After the loss in which Bouchard’s play cost them, Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch was blunt: “If there’s accumulation of mistakes that are costing us regularly, then yes, we need to hold everyone accountable.”
Open to benching Bouchard, he didn’t follow through, and it paid off for the Oilers, as he would score the overtime game-winning goal Saturday night against the visiting Chicago Blackhawks
“I mean, isn’t that the most boosh thing ever? Just stand in there like he does, you know,” said Oilers captain Connor McDavid of Bouchard facing the media after the Rangers game. “You guys can say what you want about him. We love him in there. We know his best is among the very, very, very best.
“We got his back no matter what’s going on. So, you know, his play can be better. Everyone’s play can be better. But really happy for him to get that big goal and quiet some people a little bit.
Bouchard’s goal wasn’t the only point he had, notching an assist on Jack Roslovic’s second-period power-play goal. The game as a whole, though, emulated what everybody knows about Bouchard. When he’s on, he’s on, but when he’s off, he’s off.
But that’s also emblematic of the Oilers as a whole, and despite moving to 6-4-3 on the year with the win, they’re not happy with where their game is at.
“We’re finding ways to get points. It hasn’t been very pretty, you know, but it’s October hockey,” said McDavid. “It’s a bit scrambly, a bit emotionless at times. We gotta find a way to bring some emotion into the game, get ourselves going a little bit during some of those lulls.
“But we’re finding ways to put points on the board and that’s what it’s all about. Not off to the best start of our lives, but not after the worst start either. So we’re hanging in there right now.”
Things aren’t going to get easier for the Oilers in terms of their schedule, either. They have a two-game road trip Monday and Tuesday that will see them visit the St. Louis Blues and Dallas Stars, before a three day break. Next Saturday and the following Monday will see them host the Colorado Avalanche and Columbus Blue Jackets, but then the going gets tough.
They’ll embark on a seven game, 10-day beginning November 12th that will take them up and down the Eastern seaboard.
“We’re not playing our best hockey and we knew at the beginning of the season it’s going to take a while to build this and get our identity,” said Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch. “That stretch is going to be really difficult.
“We’ve got a lot of change at the beginning of the season with the players that we got coming in. We’re trying to settle things out and put lines together, (have) everyone understanding what our systems are and then playing the way we know we can. So, you know, it’s a long process and hopefully we’re trending in the right way.”
Packers’ Trade Deadline Plans Shift as Luke Musgrave Becomes the Key Tight End
A serious blow to the Green Bay Packers’ tight end room has sent shockwaves through the locker room. With
The Impact of Kraft’s Injury
Kraft, who had been one of the most reliable offensive weapons for the Packers this season, suffered the devastating injury during the Packers' Week 9 loss to the
“Losing Tucker hurts the whole offense. He was a big piece of what we do here,”
said Aaron Rodgers, the Packers' veteran quarterback. “But injuries are part of the game. We’ve got to keep pushing forward.”
While the team initially planned to move forward with Kraft and Musgrave sharing the load, the injury changes everything. The Packers are now faced with the decision to lean heavily on Musgrave for the remainder of the season.
Musgrave’s Trade Status Shifts
Before the injury, there had been rumors circulating that the Packers might be open to trading Luke Musgrave, especially with the team’s growing confidence in
“It’s unfortunate for Tucker, but now it’s my time to step up,”
said Luke Musgrave after the injury news broke. “I’ve been working hard to get better, and I’m ready to do whatever this team needs from me. I’m not thinking about trades or anything else. I’m focused on helping us win.”
Musgrave’s role with the team becomes crucial, and it’s clear the Packers are counting on him to fill the void left by Kraft. His development as a starting tight end will be key in the Packers’ offensive game plan moving forward.
What the Packers Need From Musgrave
Musgrave, who had previously been a bit player in the offense, will now have to prove he can be the consistent, playmaking tight end the Packers need. With only
“We’ve got to have someone step up. Musgrave has the talent, but now he’s got to show it week in and week out,”
said Matt LaFleur, the Packers’ head coach. “We’re putting our trust in Luke, and he’s going to have a bigger role than ever.”
Musgrave’s challenge will be to prove he can take the reins at tight end and develop chemistry with
Looking Forward
The Packers' immediate future now hinges on Musgrave's ability to step into the spotlight. The loss of Kraft could have long‑term implications, but for the rest of the 2025 season, Musgrave must deliver in the short term.
“This is a tough situation for everyone, but we’re a team, and we’ve got to keep grinding,” said David Bakhtiari, Packers offensive tackle. “Luke’s ready. We all believe in him.”
The Packers will likely explore adding another tight end for depth, but for now, Musgrave is the primary option. His performance over the next few weeks could very well shape his future in Green Bay — and the future of the team’s offense.
Final Thoughts
While Kraft’s injury is a huge setback, it opens the door for Musgrave to solidify his place in the Packers' offense. With the trade deadline rapidly approaching, his immediate role is clear: show the Packers he’s ready to be their top tight end and take on a leadership role in the passing game.
The stakes have never been higher for Musgrave, but with his maturity and determination, he may be able to seize this opportunity and help the Packers move forward after Kraft’s heartbreaking injury.
