Edmonton Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner cannot be relied on for 70+ starts this year. The last goalie to do that for the Oilers - or any other team - was 2016-17 Cam Talbot. The Edmonton Oilers are on the cusp of a playoff position to begin the new year. With six straight wins they now have 39 points and ninth place in the Western Conference. They have managed to dig themselves out of a major hole they were in at the beginning of November. Leon Draisaitl. [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAzMzU5OTcxNTIwMjkyMzMz/usatsi_22212954_168401874_lowres.jpg] Leon Draisaitl. They have been getting better (and more consistent) goaltending with Stuart Skinner of late - but is it enough to win in the NHL with only one good goalie? Unless you have a Vasilevskiy or Sorokin, it's best to have two. This was where Jack Campbell was supposed to shine - while Skinner offered support in a backup role. But the tables turned last year, and completely upended this season with the AHL demotion of Campbell. Carter Hart. [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAzMzY3NzkwNTA4MzIwMzM1/usatsi_22002669_168401874_lowres.jpg] Carter Hart. The visiting team to last night's game could hold the key to stabilizing the Oilers goaltending. Despite having five goals scored on him last night, a Carter Hart acquisition needs to be strongly considered by the Oilers. OILERS NEED A GOALIE TO TAKE OVER There is only one good reason for the Oilers to acquire another goalie - they need to be able to give Skinner a break. Calvin Pickard has been up to the task here and there, but can he take over for a 10 game stretch if Skinner hits a cold streak? Pickard has been good but has only started 30 games or more once in his nine year NHL career. On the other hand, Hart has only started less than 30 games once in his five seasons previous to this one. Stuart Skinner. [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAzMzYwMDAwMjQyODg2MTI1/usatsi_21964677_168401874_lowres.jpg] Stuart Skinner. According to MoneyPuck, Hart has saved 0.6 goals above expected. On the other hand, Pickard has saved -0.1 goals above expected. Meaning Hart is performing a little bit above what is expected given the quality, location and type of shots. While Pickard is saving the tiniest bit below what is expected (given the same factors). Is the cost of acquiring Hart worth the result of losing one of the pieces of a team that is playing cohesively? Given Ken Holland's track record, I'd suggest he doesn't think so. Unless the player being traded for is a clear upgrade on the player being sent out, Holland won't make a move. Visit the Striking Oil Podcast website Subscribe to the Striking Oil Podcast YouTube Channel Bookmark The Hockey News Edmonton Oilers team site to never miss an update. Related: McDavid Joins Legendary Company With Newest Milestone Related: Written-Off Oiler Finds Scoring Touch Related: Oilers Legend Observes Vancouver Canucks Practice Related: Sexiest Edmonton Oiler Alive
