Oilers' Shouldn't Give Starters Role to Skinner

Stuart Skinner was the Edmonton Oilers starter for last year, should that be the case this year?

The Edmonton Oilers have a long history of troubles in net. It's been way too long since the team has had two very incredible and predictable goalies. Mike Smith and Mikko Koskinen were good - but hardly predictable.

Both Jack Campbell and Stuart Skinner have played one full exhibition game each. Campbell played against a veteran heavy Calgary Flames team and stopped all but one shot. Skinner made 23 saves off of 28 shots. 

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If there was a time to have a bad game, it's the pre-season. The Oilers coaching staff have the mentality to give their goaltenders full games to get them ready for the regular season. I believe this process will be beneficial for both goalies. 

Campbell is looking to bounce back from a career worst season in 2022-23. Despite a winning record of 21-9-4, Campbell had a 3.41 goals against average (GAA) and a .888 save percentage (SV%). His career average is 2.72 GAA and a .910 SV%.

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Skinner is looking to duplicate his Calder Trophy finalist season. He finished the year with a 29-14-5 win-loss-overtime loss record. Additionally he finished the 2022-23 season with a 2.73 GAA and a .914 SV%.

NHL league average GAA and SV% in 2022-23 was 2.97 & .904 respectively. If Campbell can give the Oilers a career average performance and Skinner can replicate his rookie season, the team should be put in a good spot come playoff time. Regardless, the team should ride the hot hand and not just give the role to Skinner.

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