 Bouchard played an important role, along with Bill Nyrop, as steady defensive-defensemen to the Canadien’s offensive “superstar” trio of Robinson, Savard and Lapointe who dominated the NHL blueline in the 1970s.Bouchard's NHL career began after the Montreal Canadiens had missed the playoffs in the 1969–70 season, unacceptable for a franchise which had not missed post-season play in 22 years, and among the changes that were made were to bring Bouchard along with Guy Lapointe up from the minors.In his rookie year in 1970–71, Bouchard was part of the Canadiens' team that upset the powerful, record-breaking Boston Bruins in the first round and went on to win the Stanley Cup.