The Edmonton Oilers suffered a devastating 9-1 loss to the Colorado Avalanche in their recent game, with goaltender Stuart Skinner having a rough night. Skinner started the game but was pulled in the second period after allowing four goals on just 13 shots. Calvin Pickard replaced him and stopped 16 of 21 shots, but he also struggled in the net. Both goalies have been inconsistent this season, with Skinner holding a record of 4-4-3 and Pickard with a record of 2-2-1.
The Oilers, who now have a 6-6-4 record, are facing concerns about their goaltending performance. Head coach Kris Knoblauch addressed the issue, stating that there are bigger issues than just goaltending that need to be addressed. He emphasized the need for the entire team to step up and improve their overall performance.
This is not the first time the Oilers have faced challenges at the start of the season, but Knoblauch remains hopeful that the team can overcome these obstacles. He expressed the hope that the recent loss could serve as a wake-up call for the players and motivate them to strive for better results.
Despite their struggles, the Oilers are tied for fifth in the Pacific Division and have shown strength in their power play, operating at a 33.3 percent success rate. However, their defense and goaltending have been inconsistent, with an average of 3.44 goals allowed per game.
Analysts are predicting that general manager Stan Bowman may consider making a goalie trade if improvements are not seen in Skinner’s performance by December or January. The team will need to monitor Skinner closely under the guidance of new goalie coach Peter Aubry and make necessary changes if required.
The Oilers will face the Columbus Blue Jackets in their next game before embarking on a challenging seven-game road trip, starting with a match against Philadelphia. The team will need to regroup and focus on improving their overall performance to climb up in the standings and secure better results in the upcoming games.
Overall, the Edmonton Oilers are facing a crucial period in the season, with the need for significant improvements in their goaltending and overall team performance. With the right adjustments and a strong team effort, they have the potential to turn the tide and achieve success in the remainder of the season.
