Oilers plan for rookie goalie Olivier Rodrigue revealed after extended Skinner injury timeline
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The Edmonton Oilers are beginning a four game road trip after their Battle of Alberta win, and with Stuart Skinner not travelling with the team initially, Olivier Rodrigue may make his first NHL start.
Rodrigue made his NHL debut in relief when the Oilers were blown out by the Seattle Kraken, and Coach Knoblauch praised the rookie's performance..
Oilers expected to start Olivier Rodrigue for first time against San Jose Sharks
According to Oilers reporter Mark Spector, the team may be looking to the game against the San Jose Sharks for Rodrigue's first starting opportunity while Skinner remains out.
Stuart Skinner was initially ruled out as day-to-day only, but if he's not joining the Oilers on their next road trip, his injury will be exceeding one week.
There's been no official announcement on Skinner's injury, but the concern is a concussion which can have very different recovery times.
It's unfortunate that Skinner will miss some time just before the playoffs, but it may also be a good opportunity to give some extra reps to Calvin Pickard - and finally Olivier Rodrigue. Initial reports suggested Knoblauch wouldn't start Rodrigue at all, so this is a welcome change.
Oilers rookie Olivier Rodrigue expected to start against San Jose Sharks
The 24 year old goalie was drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in the second round of 2018, and he's been the team's top goalie prospect for some time now.
In his debut against Seattle, he looked solid in very limited minutes. The one concern is Rodrigue's smaller stature for a goaltender at 6'1, but his agility may make up for it.
A starting chance against a rebuilding team like the Sharks is an ideal time to give a rookie goalie their first look in the NHL.
Hopefully the Oilers can make it happen, and Rodrigue can show some reason to make the NHL team as the backup next year.
| POLL | ||
MARS 30 | 601 ANSWERS Oilers plan for rookie goalie Olivier Rodrigue revealed after extended Skinner injury timeline Do you think Rodrigue could be in the Oilers future NHL plans? | ||
| Yes | 522 | 86.9 % |
| No | 79 | 13.1 % |
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