The Edmonton Oilers are once again heading into the playoffs with league average goaltending, and broadcaster Louie DeBrusk revealed the reason why the Oilers will stick by their current tandem.
Oilers analyst and play by play broadcaster Louie DeBrusk gave a major vote of confidence to Stuart Skinner as the team’s starter, but also said trading for another goalie may cause conflict within the locker room for pushing an established player.
I think it could add a little bit of conflict in there. If it doesn’t go well, then you’ve shown your number one right now – that you have signed on a deal that’s very, very friendly – that we don’t believe in you, and we’re going in another way. You do that mid-season, I don’t know how that’s going to work with the team.
It’s understandable that the Oilers media wants to defend Stuart Skinner as a homegrown and local talent on a cheap contract, but he’s not succeeding as the starting goalie.
Struggling so much against top 10 teams, it’s looking more like a fluke he took them to the Cup Final instead of something that can be repeated.
The Oilers offence and defence are both performing at a top 10 level this season, but goaltending can barely crack the top 20. It’s clear where the Oilers biggest weakness lies.
Hopefully the Oilers aren’t taking advice from Louie DeBrusk, and can formulate a path forward to improve their crease before the trade deadline.
