Insider reveals Oilers plans to acquire goaltender at the trade deadline
Through the Oilers fantastic win streaks this season, Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard have formed a quality goaltending tandem. However, some are concerned that the wheels might fall off Skinner, which would put the Oilers right back in a goalie crisis. Skinner has begun to falter a bit in recent weeks, but now, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman revealed that he thinks the Oilers will not not be adding a goalie this year.
Recently, both Ken Holland and Connor McDavid have spoken about their confidence in Skinner, Pickard, and even Campbell and Rodrigue as quality goalie depth going into the deadline. However, if Skinner really loses his game or gets an injury down the stretch, it would be terrifying to have to play anyone but Skinner in meaningful games. The team's save percentage is already taking a concerning dip again.
Now, Skinner is showing signs of wearing down in his last six starts. He's being asked to start in more games than he ever has in his career, which notably affects young goaltenders. Skinner has started the same amount of games as Connor Hellebuyck, a Vezina nominee goalie with years more experience. Maybe the Oilers need to consider strengthening their goalie tandem with another who could start meaningful games, and give Skinner a rest.
Against Boston, Skinner allowed 6 goals although the Bruins only logged 3.5xG. There are plenty of signs that Skinner may be wearing down, and although the Oilers have commented publicly that they're fine with their goaltending, making a trade could be the difference between playing Marc Andre Fleury or Jack Campbell in a playoff game. The Oilers really should consider adding a veteran goalie at the deadline instead of rumoured to being in on forwards.
| POLL | ||
Should the Oilers trade for a goalie? | ||
| Yes, need the insurance | 481 | 75.5 % |
| No, Skinner Pickard and Campbell are good | 117 | 18.4 % |
| See Results | 39 | 6.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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