The Edmonton Oilers Will Face A Tough Decision On Opening Night For the Starting Goalie Position

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Joshua Deeds
October 5, 2023 (5:56 PM)

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The Edmonton Oilers are in a good position heading into the regular season with a tough decision to make, but one that is in their best interest.

In the duo, Jack Campbell and Stuart Skinner are vying for the position of 1A and 1B, as the team will be using a two-goalie system this season.

Campbell is making an effort to get back to the form he had in Toronto and has had an impressive pre-season.

I don't think that I have all the information to make that decision just yet. 'm not gonna lay out my process in making that decision. We're realists and we understand that we need both goalies - it's a two-goalie league now. We have 1A and 1B, and they're going to sort out who's who. They both are gonna get another (preseason) game here to sort that out and make my decision easy. I think (Campbell) went into the summer with a clear frame of mind on what he wanted to get better at. He appears to me to be very relaxed. He's letting the game come to him, he's made numerous great saves. He's in a good headspace, he's in a good physical space. ... What a guy to be partnered up with

According to Head Coach Jay Woodcroft, it appears to be an open position.

A former Calder Trophy Finalist, Skinner posted an impressive 29-14-5 record last season, with a .914 save percentage. During the Stanley Cup playoffs, Skinner also started every game.

Campbell appeared in four games, posting a 1.01 GAA and a .967 save percentage. In the long run, before the dust has settled, both goalies have shown their dedication to the success of the team.

Campbell's determination to find his game again has been the best story of the pre-season so far.

Before a final decision is made, the team has one more pre-season game against Pacific Division juggernauts, the Seattle Kraken.