The Edmonton Oilers' goaltending situation has been a hot topic of debate this season, especially following the acquisition of Tristan Jarry from the Pittsburgh Penguins on December 12. The trade, which saw Stuart Skinner head to Pittsburgh, was intended to stabilize the Oilers' net, but Jarry's subsequent injury shortly after his arrival complicated matters. This led to the recall of Connor Ingram from the Bakersfield Condors, creating a three-goalie roster logjam when Jarry recovered.
Since Jarry's acquisition, the Oilers' goaltending numbers have indeed shown improvement, sparking a debate about whether these statistics are being selectively highlighted. Oilers Now host Bob Stauffer pointed out that since December 12th, the Oilers ranked seventh in the NHL in goals-against average (GAA) at 2.78. Individually, Jarry posted a 4-0-1 record with a 2.58 GAA and a .907 save percentage, while Ingram mirrored that efficiency. Calvin Pickard, after a shaky start to the season, also showed improvement in this period. Jarry also recorded his first shutout with the Oilers in a 6-0 victory against the Vancouver Canucks on January 17, stopping all 31 shots he faced.
However, critics argue that this snapshot doesn't represent the entire picture. Some fans have noted that the Oilers' season-long GAA still sits in the bottom third of the league. Others highlight Stuart Skinner's recent performance in Pittsburgh, where he has a .902 save percentage and a 2.42 GAA since joining the Penguins. These counterpoints suggest that focusing solely on the post-Jarry acquisition numbers might be misleading.
The Oilers' overall statistical profile for the 2025-26 season reveals a mixed bag. As of January 18, 2026, the Oilers have a record of 24-17-8, placing them second in the NHL Pacific Division. They have scored 165 goals (4th in the league) but allowed 155 (22nd in the league). Individually, Connor Ingram has a .907 save percentage and a 2.49 GAA in 8 games, while Skinner has a .891 save percentage and a 2.83 GAA in 23 games. Pickard has a .871 save percentage and a 3.68 GAA in 16 games, and Jarry has a .907 save percentage and 2.58 GAA in 5 games.
The debate also extends to the Oilers' defensive play. Some analysts argue that the team's defensive breakdowns contribute significantly to the goals allowed, regardless of the goaltender. Others point to advanced metrics like Goals Saved Above Expected (xGSA) as a more accurate way to evaluate goalie performance, as it considers the quality of shots faced.
Ultimately, whether the Oilers' post-Jarry goaltending numbers are being cherry-picked depends on the perspective. While there's no denying the improvement in certain statistics since December 12th, it's crucial to consider the broader context of the team's overall performance and defensive play. With Jarry's return from injury, the Oilers face a difficult decision regarding their goaltending roster, and their performance in the upcoming games will likely determine whether the recent positive trends are sustainable. Coach Kris Knoblauch has acknowledged the complexity of the situation, stating that the team will evaluate their options before making any definitive decisions.
