Stan Bowman flashed a smile when the topic turned to goaltending. As the general manager of the Edmonton Oilers for just over 16 months, he understands that the performance of the goalies is always a subject of interest, especially in a Canadian market like Alberta’s capital.
Recently, there has been a lot of scrutiny on Stuart Skinner, who allowed 11 goals in his last three starts, including four in a disappointing 9-1 defeat against the Colorado Avalanche. However, the Oilers managed to bounce back with a thrilling 5-4 overtime win against the Columbus Blue Jackets, led by exceptional goals from Connor McDavid.
The team, which reached the Stanley Cup finals for the second consecutive year in June, currently holds a 7-6-4 record in the season with Skinner and Calvin Pickard guarding the net. Skinner, the primary goaltender, has seen a decline in his performance statistics from the previous season to the current one, with a lower save percentage and goals-against average.
Despite calls for trades from fans and media to address the goaltending situation, Bowman emphasized during a press conference in Toronto that the goalies are not solely to blame for the team’s uneven start. He highlighted that the entire team needs to step up and perform better collectively.
Edmonton’s inconsistent performance at the beginning of the season is not unfamiliar, as they had similar records in previous seasons before making strong comebacks. Bowman acknowledged the challenges of integrating new players and dealing with injuries but expressed confidence in the team’s ability to improve as the season progresses.
McDavid’s outstanding performance in the recent game showcased his exceptional talent and determination, earning praise from Bowman for his commitment and leadership on and off the ice.
Overall, Bowman remains optimistic about the Oilers’ potential and is focused on addressing the team’s issues collectively rather than singling out the goaltending as the main problem.