The Edmonton Oilers' goaltending situation is under intense scrutiny as the team struggles to find consistency in net. A prominent Oilers-focused social media account, @OilersDailyy, has amplified the growing discontent among fans, directly calling on General Manager Stan Bowman to address the issue. The account's post on X (formerly Twitter) urged Bowman to "make good on a goalie promise" made at the season's start, referencing Bowman's earlier statement that the goaltending would be addressed if it wasn't performing adequately.
This renewed call to action follows a recent overtime loss where Stuart Skinner allowed three unanswered goals, fueling concerns about the team's ability to close out games. While the loss wasn't solely Skinner's fault, it highlighted the need for timely saves, something the Oilers have struggled to get consistently.
During the off-season, the Oilers acknowledged the importance of improving their goaltending and even explored potential additions. However, their only move was acquiring Connor Ingram, who is currently playing in the AHL with the Bakersfield Condors. This lack of significant change has left fans questioning the team's commitment to addressing the position.
The statistics paint a concerning picture. Skinner's October performance included an .896 save percentage and a 2.59 goals-against average, while backup Calvin Pickard's numbers were even worse, with an .846 save percentage and a 3.50 goals-against average. These figures are far from the standard expected of a team with Stanley Cup aspirations.
The Oilers' struggles extend beyond just goaltending. Several players, including Evan Bouchard (minus-9), Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (minus-8), and Mattias Ekholm (minus-6), have posted concerning plus/minus ratings. Even Connor McDavid, with only three goals, appears to be pressing, trying to compensate for the team's overall struggles.
GM Stan Bowman recognized the goaltending issue earlier in the summer, stating the team would explore options to improve the position if the right opportunity arose. He also alluded to potential changes within the coaching staff. However, finding a cost-effective solution in the current goalie market remains a challenge. The team traded Evander Kane to the Vancouver Canucks and extended Trent Frederic, signaling a broader reformation of the roster.
The pressure is mounting on the Oilers to find a solution. With the team's record at 5-4-3, the fanbase is growing increasingly impatient. While it's unfair to place all the blame on the goaltenders, their performance is a critical factor in the team's success. The social media call to action reflects the urgency felt by many who believe that addressing the goaltending situation is essential for the Oilers to compete for a Stanley Cup.
