Oilers fans make a plea to have this coach fired.

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Ryan Hall
October 15, 2023 (1:53 PM)

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With exceptionally high expectations and anticipation for this season, the fan base of the Edmonton Oilers hopes for improved goaltending compared to their disappointing past experiences.

Over the past several years, their goaltenders have consistently failed to meet expectations, letting the team down on numerous occasions.

After the first two games of this season, the team has allowed 12 goals, which is deemed unacceptable and unworthy of a playoff spot. General manager Ken Holland has put the team in a difficult position by awarding beleaguered goalie Jack Campbell a $25 million contract over five years, a move he has yet to justify.

Stuart Skinner was also granted a three-year extension last year, and although he occasionally displayed brilliance, he couldn't maintain the required level of performance, particularly when the team was eliminated from the playoffs by the Vegas Golden Knights.

The lingering question is whether the issue lies with the goaltending or the goaltending coach.

Many fans have expressed their frustration with Oilers goalie coach Dustin Schwartz, who has held this role since 2014. During his tenure, the team has cycled through 17 goaltenders, many of whom have posted save percentages below .900

Things have deteriorated so rapidly that Schwartz was even booed during his introduction as the goalie coach at last night's ceremony at Rogers Place.

There is ample evidence to support the need for a change in the goalie coaching role, as it is a crucial component of any playoff success. It's Ken Holland's responsibility to find the best goalies possible, especially when you have talent like McDavid and Draisaitl.

Blame should also fall to the goalies themselves, as they are professionals on the ice who are well-compensated for playing the game they've devoted their lives to.

It's safe to say that changes are necessary, as the Oilers are currently off to a 0-2-0 start in this early season, a concerning trend.