The Edmonton Oilers' struggles this season have reached a critical point, with the team's goaltending performance plummeting to historic lows. Tuesday night's 8-3 defeat at the hands of the Dallas Stars served as a stark reminder of the Oilers' defensive woes, and amplified concerns about the team's ability to compete. This latest loss marks another chapter in a season defined by inconsistency and defensive breakdowns, raising serious questions about the Oilers' Stanley Cup aspirations.
The Oilers' goaltending tandem of Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard has struggled significantly. Through 25 games, the team's save percentage (SV%) stands at a dismal .860, the worst since the team's inaugural season in 1979-80. Individually, Pickard has a 4.04 goals-against average (GAA) and a .847 SV% in nine appearances, while Skinner, in 18 appearances, has a 3.18 GAA and a .878 SV%. These numbers place the Oilers' goaltending performance far below the league average, contributing directly to the team's inability to secure wins.
The Oilers have allowed an alarming number of goals in recent home games. In their last three games at Rogers Place, they have conceded 21 goals. Before this month, the Oilers had not allowed more than seven goals in 490 consecutive regular-season or playoff games at home. The defensive struggles extend beyond goaltending, with key defensemen not meeting expectations. The team's defensive structure has been porous, allowing the most scoring chances in the league at five-on-five and ranking near the bottom in high-danger attempts against.
Following the loss to the Stars, Oilers captain Connor McDavid defended the goalies, emphasizing that goaltending is a "team thing" and that the team in front needs to perform better. However, the statistics paint a clear picture of the severity of the situation, regardless of the circumstances.
The Oilers' struggles have prompted discussions about potential changes, including call-ups from the AHL or even trades. However, making a trade is complicated by the team's tight salary cap situation and limited assets. Some analysts suggest that improving the team's defensive play is a higher priority than acquiring a new goalie. Insider Frank Seravalli reported that the Oilers were considering calling up Connor Ingram from the AHL but chose to stick with Pickard, who is well-liked by the team. Seravalli believes the current tandem has until Christmas to improve before the team makes a move.
Despite the recent struggles, there were glimmers of hope during their recent road trip. Skinner made impressive saves in a 6-3 win over Florida, and Pickard played well enough to steal a point in Tampa. However, these positive moments have been overshadowed by the team's overall inconsistency.
The Oilers now face a critical juncture. The team needs to address its defensive deficiencies and find a way to get consistent performances from its goaltenders. Otherwise, they risk missing the playoffs and wasting another year of McDavid's and Draisaitl's prime. The pressure is on the Oilers' management to make the necessary changes to turn the season around.
