Analyst Ranks Edmonton Oilers as Top Goaltending Team

Goalie analyst Kevin Woodley of NHL.com ranked the Oilers goaltenders as the best in the Pacific to begin the season. It's a significant ranking that beats out some quality tandems, and their rival Vancouver Canucks.

The Edmonton Oilers had a full blown goalie crisis to begin last year, and now being ranked first in the division is maybe a little optimistic - but they have come a long way. Stuart Skinner stumbled to begin last season and struggled at a time in the playoffs, but for the vast majority of the time he's been a capable starting goalie. Last season Skinner started an incredible 59 games, posting a 36-16-5 record with a mediocre .905 save percentage.

The Oilers have more faith in veteran journeyman Calvin Pickard as their backup goalie than anyone else in recent memory. The 32 year old has played 139 games with 6 different teams in his career, and is a reliable and steady presence when called upon. In 23 games last year, he actually had a better save percentage than Skinner at .909. When called upon in the playoffs too, Pickard's calm style of play was just what the Oilers needed. Watch for Calvin Pickard to get more starts this season after he earned the trust of Coach Knoblauch last year.

That being said, Woodley did mention that the Canucks would instantly leapfrog the Oilers if Thatcher Demko is cleared to play. Demko is without a doubt the best goalie in the division, but his repeated health concerns are beginning to limit how much he can actually contribute. The Canucks took the Oilers to Game 7 with their backup Arturs Silovs, and with Thatcher Demko they could be a much different looking team. In 51 regular season games last year, Demko had an unreal .918 save percentage.

Regardless, it's great to see the Oilers still rank above some quality goaltending tandems around the division. The LA Kings have a recent cup champion in Darcy Kuemper and a veteran backup Dave Rittich. The Seattle Kraken are starting Philip Grubauer and the fan favourite Joey D'Accord. Vegas even recently won the Cup with Adin Hill as their starter, and now have added Ilya Samsonov as well. The Pacific Division does project to be the weakest in the NHL this year, but at least the Oilers are still ranking near the top at their weakest position.

The puck finally drops on the regular season tonight with the Oilers home opener against the Winnipeg Jets. Gear up Oilers fans, hockey is here!