Oilers Are One Injury Away From a Catastrophe
The Edmonton Oilers should be thanking their lucky stars - and praying to the hockey gods that their injury-free luck will continue.
EDMONTON -- The Edmonton Oilers consecutive win streak has ended at 16 games. Had they found a way to score a second goal during the first period of last night's game - they could be celebrating number 17 today.
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Alas, it wasn't meant to be as the Oilers eventually found themselves on the wrong side of a 3-1 defeat. As usual, Stuart Skinner stood on his head for the majority of the game.
He was only beaten twice (the third goal was of the empty net variety) on 26 shots. Skinner has been phenomenal for 13 straight games. And for the record so has Calvin Pickard.
However the Oilers have been able to avoid the injury bug this season. They are one injury away from a catastrophe.
No, it's not Connor McDavid - but Skinner.
If Skinner suffers any kind of injury that sidelines him for longer than two weeks - the Oilers would be in a world of hurt. Part of why I say that is because of Skinner's stellar play. The other reason is because of who is available to replace him on the team.
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Pickard has posted great numbers, but he hasn't taken on a starting goaltender's work load since the 2016-17 season. He played 50 games that year with a respectable 2.98 goals against average (GAA) and a .904 save percentage (SV%).
Olivier Rodrigue is unproven at the NHL level. He hasn't played any games for the Oilers yet and shouldn't get a call up unless there is an injury. He has steadily improved year after year in the AHL. This season he has a 9-4-4 record in 18 games. He also has posted a 2.60 GAA with a .920 SV%.
Jack Campbell is another story entirely. I'm sure the Oilers would be willing to entertain the idea of giving him another opportunity - one that carries great risk. His inconsistent play has been an issue for virtually his entire career.
Since being sent down to the AHL he has played in 17 games. He has a 10-7-0 record in that time. He has a decent 2.90 GAA and a .909 SV%. He is getting out performed by Rodrigue, but has been steady as of late.
The Oilers were banking on Campbell being a starting goaltender for them last year. Clearly that didn't work out, and it's continued into this season.
With a few inconsistent and unproven options available to replace a potential injury - that only highlights how important Skinner is to the Oilers.
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