Edmonton Oilers Fans Boo One Coach on Opening Night
Photo credit: Sportsnet
The Edmonton Oilers had an incredible season last year for which all of the coaching staff deserved praise, but fans still aren't fond of one coach.
At the beginning of last night's game when the Oilers were introducing their coaching staff, everyone received a neutral or warm welcome except goalie coach Dustin Schwartz. Boos were slightly heard on the broadcast, and fans in attendance did confirm they were booing Schwartz.
Fans have been on Dustin Schwartz's case for years for the subpar goaltending the Oilers have dealt with during his 9 years as goalie coach. Many goaltenders like Cam Talbot, Mikko Koskinen, Jack Campbell, and more have seemed to have their game decline in their time with the Oilers, only to have better results upon joining another team. Schwartz himself even hung his head down, looking like he was expecting the boos - he had been booed in previous years.
Unfortunately, Oilers fans got more ammunition for their criticisms of Schwartz in the home opener. Stuart Skinner was pulled after allowing 5 goals on only 13 shots, and after the game admitted that he just wasn't up to pace. Everyone expects Skinner to bounce back and be the Oilers starter for the full season, but his save percentage did dip down from .914 two years ago to .905 last year.
However you may feel about Dustin Schwartz or your confidence in the Oilers goaltending, there still needs to be a belief that Skinner can turn it around and be the goalie he has been so far in his career. Look for Coach Knoblauch to give Skinner the start on Saturday night against the Blackhawks for an opportunity to get the ball rolling against a rebuilding team.
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