Oilers GM gives his level of concern about goalies, state of team before playoffs in new interview
Photo credit: Edmonton Oilers Raw
The Edmonton Oilers biggest weakness on their roster this season has clearly been their goaltending, and after not making a move at the trade deadline, Stan Bowman is still not concerned about the position.
Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner has recently opened up with some heartbreaking comments hinting towards the tough mental toll of his struggles this year, which may even highlight the need for more support.
Oilers GM Stan Bowman not concerned with goaltending heading into playoffs
Stan Bowman is currently attending the NHL General Manager's meetings and stopped to speak with Gino Reda of TSN in a new interview. Bowman said he understands the criticism around goaltending, but believes team defence is the real issue for the team.
We haven't really played well, really, since the last end of January. You're giving up high danger changes, the ones you get you're not cashing them in. So you're putting your goalies in a tough spot.
I think you don't have to look past the last two games, they both have it in them. The consistency, maybe, hasn't been there.
They do get a lot of criticism, and I understand that, but as a team we didn't really support them as well as we should have.
- Stan Bowman
I think you don't have to look past the last two games, they both have it in them. The consistency, maybe, hasn't been there.
They do get a lot of criticism, and I understand that, but as a team we didn't really support them as well as we should have.
- Stan Bowman
Edmonton Oilers need to rally around Skinner, dial up defensive play
Since the new year, the Oilers have given up much more rush chances against, which doesn't jive well with Skinner's big weakness in lateral movement.
Interestingly, NHL goalie analyst Kevin Woodley recently raised the concern of increased rush chances against for the Oilers that Bowman seems to reference here.
Don't forget, top three defensive team in all categories last year on the way to the cup final. But since January 1, 15th in the NHL in high danger expected goals against, 26th in the NHL in high danger expected goals off the rush.
- Kevin Woodley
- Kevin Woodley
The Oilers defensive game does need to be adjusted to fit the game of their goaltender, because right now the results show he's getting exposed. The team currently ranks 26th in save percentage - which will not be able to hold up with playoff success.
It was on Stan Bowman to acquire goaltending help at the trade deadline, and the Oilers GM failed at that task. The best the Oilers can do now is improve their defensive play to support their starter, and for Oilers fans to rally around their hometown goalie - despite his flaws.
| POLL | ||
MARS 17 | 553 ANSWERS Oilers GM gives his level of concern about goalies, state of team before playoffs in new interview Do you think the Oilers goaltending is still a concern? | ||
| Yes | 454 | 82.1 % |
| No | 99 | 17.9 % |
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