Oilers coach tries move with Stuart Skinner and it completely backfires

Stuart Skinner has faced criticism all year for his slightly below average play, and especially struggling against top teams like his last game against Colorado. Today's game didn't help concerns for Skinner.

Knoblauch could've given the first game back from break to Calvin Pickard - it's a matinee game against a weaker opponent on the beginning of a long road trip. Some fans believe Knoblauch started Skinner to build him some confidence, especially with a game tomorrow against Washington.

Unfortunately, that's not at all how today's game against Philadelphia played out. The Edmonton Oilers didn't play well at all, and defensive mistakes led to chances against, but Stuart Skinner struggled to make many saves - and ended with 5 goals against and a .838 save percentage.

Particularly on the first two goals, the Oilers may have liked Stuart Skinner to make a save. The rest of the goals against came on skilled plays, but again, Skinner just needs to grab an extra save.

Far too much it seems, the Oilers having the second best goalie in the game costs them some preventable goals, which puts the team in an entirely different situation than they may otherwise be.

Advanced data says Stuart Skinner registered negative 3.29 goals saved above expected, which would've been the difference in this game.

The Edmonton Oilers have been connected to several goalies in trade this season, with the best options being John Gibson and Karel Vejmelka. Seeing more performances like this, against a weak team too, may cause the Oilers to think more about goaltending before the playoffs.

The Oilers now only have 6 games left until the trade deadline where they'll make their final roster additions for the most important playoff push yet for Connor McDavid.