The Edmonton Oilers' bet on the Tristan Jarry/Connor Ingram goaltending tandem is undeniably a risky one, but after months of searching for stability, it's a gamble the team felt compelled to take. With the Oilers hoping to make a deep playoff run, the spotlight is now on these two netminders to provide the backbone for a team laden with offensive talent.
Jarry, acquired in a trade with Pittsburgh in December, has had a mixed performance since arriving in Edmonton. While he's shown flashes of brilliance, including a 31-save shutout against Vancouver, he also had a night to forget against his former team, the Penguins, surrendering six goals in a recent 6-2 loss. On the season, split between Pittsburgh and Edmonton, Jarry holds a 13-4-2 record with a 2.61 goals-against average and a .908 save percentage. The Oilers are hoping Jarry rediscovers the form he showed in his early days with the Penguins, where he posted goals-against averages below 2.50 and save percentages above .920.
Ingram's story is one of perseverance. After entering the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program in March 2025, and dealing with the loss of his mother, he has found a new opportunity in Edmonton. Since being called up from Bakersfield in mid-December, Ingram has been impressive, posting a 5-3-1 record with a .917 save percentage and a 2.22 goals-against average. He also recorded a 27-save shutout against St. Louis. His solid positioning and rebound control have instilled confidence.
The Oilers' improved defensive play has certainly helped the goalies, and vice versa. Captain Connor McDavid noted that the team has been playing more soundly, which makes a difference for the goaltenders. However, the team's reliance on Jarry and Ingram is not without its potential pitfalls. Neither goalie has a long track record of sustained success as a clear-cut number one. Can they handle the pressure of a playoff run? Will they remain consistent over the long haul?
The acquisition of Jarry and the emergence of Ingram have pushed Calvin Pickard, a key contributor to the Oilers' success in recent years, to third-string status. This situation has created an awkward dynamic, with the Oilers even having to dress a player short due to salary cap implications of keeping Pickard on the roster. Despite the demotion, Pickard remains a valued teammate.
Ultimately, the Oilers' decision to move forward with Jarry and Ingram represents a calculated risk. The team is banking on the belief that these two goalies, working in tandem, can provide the stability and performance needed to backstop a championship-caliber team. Only time will tell if this gamble pays off, but the early returns are promising.
