The Edmonton Oilers’ first two games of the 2027 NHL season have taken fans on a wild ride of entertainment, frustration, disbelief, and amazement while challenging you to balance the good with the bad. There has been a lot of both through the first 122 minutes of the season.

It is Positive Friday, so let’s start with the good.

GOOD…

— Evan Bouchard has set two NHL records in two days. He was the first defenseman to score three goals and five points in a season opener, and his three points last night gave him the most points, eight, through the first two games of the season by any defenceman in NHL history. He also set the Oilers record for most points through two games. Wayne Gretzky’s best start was six points in 1987-88, and Connor McDavid has six previously, but he scored seven this year. Bouchard has 4-3-7 at five-on-five so far this season. His career high at five-on-five is 10 goals, and he already has four. He’s off to a ridiculous start. Bouchard has 103 points in his last 78 regular season games. Impressive. While he is lighting it up offensively, Bouchard has only been on for one goal against five-on-five. He’s outscored opponents 7-1 at five-on-five, and he has factored in on all seven goals. Crazy.

— Connor McDavid has seven points in two games and outscored opponents 6-1 at five-on-five. He looks poised for another 100 point season. I think 130 is very realistic.

— The Oilers have started both games very well. Even though Vancouver scored first in the season opener, Edmonton controlled the first 10 minutes. They’ve come out ready to play in both games, which is a good sign when you think how often they looked disinterested early in games last season.

— Owen Michaels scores........

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