Stuart Skinner

Photo credit: Jerome Miron – Imagn Images

In a recent episode of OilersNow, host Bob Stauffer discussed Edmonton’s goalie situation and how the current tandem affects the GM’s decisions moving forward.

I think ultimately the play of Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard likely over the next month is going to decide the course of action that Stan Bowman is going to have. That’s my guess.

Though Stauffer’s comment speak to the obvious, the narrative could not be more true.

Except, there have been many narratives this season around Edmonton’s goalies, ranging from Stan Bowman choosing to run with Skinner and Pickard, to trading for a new goalie immediately, without delay.

There have also been many criticisms, going back to Edmonton’s past mistakes, like the one that was made when they decided to pass on goalie Jesper Wallstedt in the 2021 Draft, at the time considered the best goalie prospect available.

But that won’t help the team in the present.

GM Craig MacTavish joined the host on OilersNow and said this about Edmonton’s goalies:

It’d be hard to go in the playoffs with Stu. I mean, as much as I like him, he’s a local kid and I support him. But I think there needs to be something done for the goaltender position. We’ve talked about goaltending far too long. And as I said before If you have to ask the question: Is your goaltending good enough? You know the answer, because good goaltending is obvious.

The general consensus is that Edmonton needs a new starting goaltender. Even if Skinner performs well in his next handful of games, the question will always remain of whether he can be consistent and do it on the playoffs.

I’d love nothing more than for Edmonton’s goalies to play at an elite level, beginning tonight against Dallas, and build the momentum that has been lacking with this club. I’m pulling for Stu, really.

Tonight will be a good test for Edmonton, playing at home in front of a passionate fanbase that wants nothing more than for their team to leave it all on the ice.

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