Mikko Koskinen is getting the opportunity under Jay Woodcroft right now to be the Edmonton Oilers starter. In his last 8 starts, Koskinen is 7-0-1 with a 0.934SV%. Those are high end starter numbers. The issue is we have seen what happens when Koskinen plays too many games in succession. The other issue is that Edmonton plays a very packed schedule with not much time to give Mikko any rest. The other other issue is that Mike Smith has shown he cannot be counted on to be even an average back up. Writing about the Oilers is fun.
Right now the most logical plan would be to have Koskinen as the starter and to bring up Stuart Skinner as the backup but will Holland do that? Holland's job right now banks on Edmonton making the playoffs and having goal goaltending so even if he isn't riding the player he thought would save his skin in Smith, logic would dictate that he ties himself to the players who could in Koskinen and Skinner.
Fun fact. Leon Draisaitl has not been on the ice for a 5 on 5 goal against since Jay Woodcroft came behind the bench. It's probably too late in the season for Draisaitl to get many Selke votes but the elite German is certainly playing at a Selke level right now.
Another awards question. How much love would Woodcroft get for the Jack Adams if he leads the Oilers into the playoffs? There are so many years where the Jack Adams simply goes to the team with the hot goalie. The Oilers on the otherhand are clearly far better coached now than they were under Tippett. Again I don't expect him to win but he certainly deserves some recognition for what he has done.
Tonight also marks Duncan Keith's return to Chicago. The future Hall of Fame defenceman is no longer at that calibre of play but he has brought some solid 5 on 5 play to the Oilers second pairing. Last game against the Flyers, he and Bouchard combined for a CF% of 73.33% and outshot Philly 9-2 while on the ice and were on for a 5 on 5 goal. Some media people have suggested Keith and Bouchard shouldn't play together but in a small sample size this seems like Edmonton's best bet.
The Oilers pulled out a red carpet welcome back to the United Center for Duncan Keith pic.twitter.com/WpxHzTmhM7
— Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) March 2, 2022
Winning tonight would put Edmonton tied for second in the Pacific Division alongside the Kings. The playoff race continues to be a log jam with the Oilers, Kings, Golden Knights, Preds, Stars, Ducks, and Wild all vying for spots. The only teams right now that seem to have spots locked up in the West are the Avalanche, Blues, and the Flames.
The Oilers traded Alex Stalock last night to the Sharks for "future considerations." Not surprised to see this deal made. Stalock isn't a part of the Oilers future plans and is taking playing time away from prospects like Konovalov and Skinner. The Sharks meanwhile are dealing with injury problems in net and need someone who could play in some NHL games. Stalock has recovered from myocarditis due to complications from COVID. I wish him all the best and hope to see him playing again soon.
Speaking of myocarditis, Josh Archibald looks like he is ready to return to games soon... hopefully with another NHL team. Archibald remains unvaccinated which as of now still means that he cannot play across the border, limiting him to only games against Canadian teams. This team has no need for a player who can't play in roughly half the remaining games. Maybe some team will bite on him and Edmonton can pick up and extra 6th or 7th round pick.
Puljujarvi is still a couple weeks away and RNH could be out longer than originally expected. The Oilers will need to continue playing a tight checking game and let their skill guys do what they do. Hopefully that continues with a win tonight.