The Edmonton Oilers are heading into the final uphill climb for the playoff spot run without a set No. 1 goalie. NHL reporter Mark Spector shared that head coach Kris Knoblauch will ride the hot hand.
“The goalie who gives us the best chance to win,” Knoblauch said, confirming starts will not be mapped out in advance.
That statement quickly sparked reactions from fans.
“Trade for Binnington somehow.” One supporter posted.
“We don’t have a bonafide starter. I don’t see either of these options being much of an answer in the post season. Same goes the for the defense this season. Both atrocious & to my eyes will be the cause of a short playoff appearance this year. Come on get Mcdavid a real starter.” Another fan wrote.
“What starter?Oilers have needed a goalie for years an mismanagement has never addressed it properly!! No cup with these 🤡’s” A fan reacted.
“Can they bring in the hot rookie from the ECHL?” Another fan questioned.
“So Ingram…” A fan wrote, pointing to goalie Connor Ingram.
“So Jarry won’t play??” A fan reacted, pointing to goalie Tristan Jarry, whom the Oilers acquired in a trade from the Pittsburgh Penguins after trading for Stuart Skinner.
Are the Oilers Going to Make it to the Playoffs?
Edmonton entered the Feb 28 game against the San Jose Sharks with a 29-23-8 record, good for third in the Pacific Division. Connor Ingram will start against the Sharks, his second straight game.
The Oilers are coming off an 8-1 win over the Los Angeles Kings, a game that saw Connor McDavid reach 100 points on the season. The Oilers rank second in the NHL with 211 goals scored, but they have allowed 4.2 goals per game over their last 10 games.
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Goaltending remains the swing factor. Connor Ingram holds a 2.58 goals-against average and a .899 save percentage in 15 games. Tristan Jarry has struggled since arriving in a trade for Stuart Skinner, posting a 3.85 GAA. Calvin Pickard continues in a backup role with a 3.68 GAA.
As it stands, the competition for the starting goalie is wide open. Edmonton’s offense can carry them on many nights. Still, if the Oilers want a deep run, someone in the crease must seize control before April arrives.