Former Oiler identifies major problem in locker room during slow start
Photo credit: USA Today Sports
Former Oiler Ryan Whitney believes the uncertainty of Edmonton's goaltending is now affecting the entire roster mentally during every game.
Much of the concern from Oilers fans about this roster is focused on the goaltending, as the team still ranks near last in all metrics. There's noise outside the locker room, but the players on the team may be feeling it too.
Former Oiler Ryan Whitney says Oilers have lost trust in goaltending tandem
On a recent episode of the Spittin' Chiclets Podcast, Whitney shared his belief that the Oilers bench has begun to sag when the goaltending lets them down - and it's affecting their performance at all times.
The goaltending has been so bad. Knoblauch's asked the question 'have you lost trust in the goaltending?' and he's just silent for five seconds.
I'm pretty sure that the whole room at this point is probably like, we can't get a save. We don't get saves. That seeps.
You know, you've been on teams like at one point when a goalie is just constantly letting in weak shots and goals that need to be saves. The bench is just like, balloons going out and out.
- Ryan Whitney
I'm pretty sure that the whole room at this point is probably like, we can't get a save. We don't get saves. That seeps.
You know, you've been on teams like at one point when a goalie is just constantly letting in weak shots and goals that need to be saves. The bench is just like, balloons going out and out.
- Ryan Whitney
It feels like so many analysts downplay this fact when evaluating the Oilers and their goaltending. Sure, there's been great signs from the rest of the roster over the last 2 seasons and belief this group should turn around - but there's a psychological element that only former players can really understand.
When these former players fully admit that poor goaltending can be deflating for the rest of the team, that's important. Looking at the Oilers being dead last in save percentage is a major concern.
As Whitney noted, Coach Knoblauch's telling reaction to being asked about the state of the goaltending should raise alarms. The Oilers simply need an upgrade here, even to give the roster some more confidence.
Edmonton can't afford to hang around outside a playoff spot for too much longer, so a shake-up move will surely be coming.
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