The Edmonton Oilers suffered a frustrating 5-2 loss to the Minnesota Wild on Saturday, a game that, despite the score, wasn't necessarily a reflection of goaltender Calvin Pickard's performance. While Pickard allowed four goals on 37 shots, the defeat highlighted deeper issues within the team, prompting questions about potential trade strategies as they navigate a critical juncture in the season.

The Oilers demonstrated strong effort and compete level against a structured Wild team, but ultimately, sloppiness and momentary breakdowns proved costly. A four-minute penalty against Leon Draisaitl put the Oilers at an early disadvantage, a situation exacerbated by the Wild's ability to capitalize on their opportunities. While Draisaitl contributed two assists, his frustration was palpable throughout the game. Andrew Mangiapane scored his first goal in 22 games, and Connor McDavid extended his point streak to nine games. McDavid's power-play goal briefly tied the game, but a late defensive breakdown allowed Minnesota to regain the lead.

The loss brings into focus the Oilers' defensive pairings, particularly the third pairing of Riley Stillman and Ty Emberson, raising questions about their deployment in crucial moments. Some argue that they shouldn't have been on the ice in the dying seconds of a tight game.

Goaltending Woes and Trade Implications

Despite the loss, Pickard's performance wasn't the primary concern. However, the recent acquisition of Tristan Jarry from the Pittsburgh Penguins, followed by Jarry being placed on injured reserve, has intensified the spotlight on the Oilers' goaltending situation. Jarry, in his three starts with Edmonton, had a 3.08 goals-against average and an .887 save percentage. The Oilers recalled Connor Ingram from the AHL's Bakersfield Condors to back up Pickard. The initial trade that brought Jarry to Edmonton saw Stuart Skinner and Brett Kulak go to Pittsburgh.

The injury to Jarry and the subsequent reliance on Pickard, while not disastrous, underscores the precariousness of Edmonton's situation in net and could accelerate the urgency to explore further trade options. The team had also placed forward Jack Roslovic on long-term injured reserve.

Looking Ahead

The Oilers' road trip concluded with a 3-2 record, a solid performance that keeps them in the playoff conversation, especially considering their difficult start to the season. However, the loss to the Wild exposed vulnerabilities that need addressing as the team moves forward. The Oilers need to tighten up defensively, particularly in crucial moments of the game. They also need to find more consistent scoring depth beyond McDavid and Draisaitl. The return of injured players like Jarry and Roslovic will undoubtedly provide a boost, but General Manager Ken Holland may need to consider further moves to solidify the roster for a deep playoff run. .