Oilers forward has pointed comment at goaltending after Stanley Cup Final loss
Photo credit: Imagn Images
Oilers forward Vasily Podkolzin had an interesting comment about the difference in goaltending playing a factor into Edmonton's Stanley Cup Final loss to the Florida Panthers.
While the loss wasn't entirely the goaltending's fault, the Oilers will reportedly be pursuing a goalie upgrade this offseason- and Podkolzin believes it did have a major impact on the series.
Vasily Podkolzin implies Oilers couldn't play free with their goaltending in Cup Final
Podkolzin gave an open and honest look at the series in a new interview with RG, and pointed to goaltending as the ultimate difference maker. The Russian Oilers forward said Bobrovsky was good enough to let the Panthers play freely - implying it was something the Oilers didn't have.
The outlasted us - that's it. Florida's defensemen aren't the most agile or mobile and are not very offensive-minded. But they trust Bobrovsky, which gives them confidence to play more freely.
Even when we forced them into mistakes, they knew Bobrovsky had their back and would make the save. I truly believe Sergei was the one who won this final series for them.
- Vasily Podkolzin
Even when we forced them into mistakes, they knew Bobrovsky had their back and would make the save. I truly believe Sergei was the one who won this final series for them.
- Vasily Podkolzin
Podkolzin may be on to something to recognize how much a team's confidence can change when playing in front of a solid goaltender. The Panthers had the freedom to make more mistakes and rely on their goalie to bail them out.
It especially may have affected the Oilers early on in games, in a Stanley Cup Final where they found themselves down early often.
Too many times through the playoffs and the Final, the Oilers goalies allowed goals on the first 5 shots - causing the Oilers to play tentatively before, and then chase afterward.
A stable goalie changes the entire complexion of a team, and the Oilers had the opposite through this year's playoffs. Next season, it has to be a priority that the Oilers have an unquestionable starter heading into any important game, instead of just hoping Skinner doesn't implode.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 21 | 1127 ANSWERS Oilers forward has pointed comment at goaltending after Stanley Cup Final loss Do you think goaltending was the biggest difference in the Cup Final? | ||
| Yes | 841 | 74.6 % |
| No | 286 | 25.4 % |
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