The Edmonton Oilers are making headlines this season, as they navigate their way through the 2024-25 NHL season with their eyes set firmly on the playoff picture. Currently, they sit atop the Pacific Division, holding onto a two-point lead and possessing a game in hand over the Vegas Golden Knights. After beginning the season with three lopsided losses at home, the Oilers have bounced back impressively, winning 34 of their last 51 games, showcasing resilience and skill. Yet, all is not as harmonious as it appears.
The primary concern among fans and analysts alike this season has revolved around the goaltending duo of Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard. Many questions plague the ranks: Is Skinner the true number-one goalie? Is Pickard stepping up as an adequate backup? Are the two capable of shoulder-ing the burden of another deep playoff quest together? For numerous critics, the consensus seems to lean toward skepticism, casting doubts on this goaltending tandem's proficiency.
Digging deep, we see tangible evidence of this confusion present on the ice. Since the calendar flipped to 2025, the Oilers have played 17 games. Skinner has started 11, securing six wins, whereas Pickard has taken the crease six times and matched his counterpart’s success with six wins. Looking back on their last 11 games indicates Pickard’s stellar performance with 10 wins, compared to Skinner’s six, which begs the question: should Pickard be entrusted with more game time?
Coach Kris Knoblauch has shown consistency with his decisions, splitting the goaltending workload strategically. He tends to favor Skinner for tougher matchups and has consistently maintained the pattern of giving Pickard one start out of every three games. Despite Skinner’s designation as the number-one goalie, he has not started more than three consecutive games all year—reflecting Knoblauch's careful management of the goaltenders' stamina and performance.
A look at the individual statistics sheds light on how these two talents have fared. During their latest 18-game stretch, Skinner boasted superior save percentages and goals saved above expected (GSAx), with particularly impressive performances against strong opponents such as Utah and Boston. But what isn’t lost on observers is the considerable gap in goal support between the two. Pickard’s starts are backed by at least four goals from his teammates every time, whereas Skinner's outings are often marked by lower goal support, relying heavily on close-scoring games.
Addressing the upcoming NHL trade deadline, the Oilers are continuously weighing their options to bolster their playoff roster. Bob Stauffer of Oilers Now discussed the team's intent, noting, “At some point between now and March 7th, they will add a left-shot D.” This suggests not only acknowledgment of their current goaltending situation but also the necessity to augment their defense—a move seen as prelude to more selective player acquisitions as they advance toward the postseason.
The Oilers have recently acquired defenseman John Klingberg. Stauffer’s remarks indicate the club's strategy may hinge on Klingberg's integration and performance. If Klingberg meets— or exceeds—expectations, the focus may shift to acquiring depth players rather than headline-grabbing signings. Conversely, any signs of deficiency could send Edmonton on the hunt for plaid name acquisitions to bolster their playoff run.
Despite being ranked 13th overall in save percentage this season, the Oilers have dominated shot volume on the ice—an assertion of their capabilities but also emphasizing the underlying issues concerning goal conversion. Their current standing showcases the need for consistency on both sides of the puck as they venture toward the playoffs.
Tonight, the Oilers face off against the Colorado Avalanche, marking their final game before the Four Nations Face-Off break. With Skinner once again taking the lead position, the match promises to be significant for all involved. Given the past performances—having previously won against the Avalanche this season—fans are hopeful for another victory. With top-scorers, such as Nathan MacKinnon and Leon Draisaitl up against each other, the excitement and anticipation within the arena are palpable.
For the Edmonton Oilers, the stakes continue to escalate as competition heightens and the pressure mounts. Goaltending strategies will likely remain front and center of discussions—both internally as they strategize on upcoming games and externally as fans fret over the playoffs. With the trade deadline looming, all eyes will be on how the Oilers choose to shape their roster to bolster their chances for playoff glory. Clearly, the goaltending situation could prove pivotal for the franchise's aspirations as they head down this challenging road.