The Edmonton Oilers have just begun a 7 game road trip through the Eastern Conference, which looks to be a critical juncture for their goaltending position.
The Oilers are off to another mediocre start to this regular season, with subpar play from the goaltending position as one of the most consequential factors - and it may not be able to continue for much longer.
Edmonton Oilers’ road trip may be deciding factor in goaltending decision
Stuart Skinner backstopped the Oilers to a win last night against the Philadelphia Flyers, but even that required a late goal overturned for offside. Even with the team’s disappointing record of 8-6-4, they’ve been getting some lucky bounces.
As much as Skinner has struggled in net the last two years, the Oilers might have more of a problem with Calvin Pickard.
https://x.com/stonyoil/status/1988762056590520613?s=46&t=OJ3caFWCfVeV0DWdJLHvAQ
Right now, the backup goalie is providing no relief for the starter. Pickard sits with an awful .836 save percentage through 6 games this year. That’s making it nearly impossible for the Oilers to win his games, and they may even be pressured to bring in Skinner.
Pickard will be given 2 starting opportunities on the upcoming road trip with back to back games, starting with tonight’s game against Columbus. Oilers insider Jim Matheson believes that Pickard has been so poor, Skinner may even get the start.
https://x.com/jimmathesonnhl/status/1989009225226547378?s=46&t=OJ3caFWCfVeV0DWdJLHvAQ
Playing Skinner on back to back nights isn’t sustainable, so Pickard will need to prove quickly that he can still be a net positive to this roster. An .836 save percentage is simply not the results expected from an NHL goaltender.
If Pickard falters again during this road trip and the Oilers return to Edmonton still middling in the standings by American Thanksgiving, it may seal his fate for being shipped off the team.
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