Edmonton Oilers: Four overreactions to the game 1 loss
By Carson Trask
Edmonton Oilers – Cam Talbot
Something all to familiar took place in the opening minute of the game. Cam Talbot let in the first shot he faced. 58 seconds into the game, Kyle Palmieri was the benefactor of sloppy play inside the Oilers zone, beating Talbot glove side.
The goal itself wasn’t Talbot’s fault. A point-blank scoring chance from a proven goal scorer in Palmieri is a tough save for any goaltender. The problem is, we have seen this story too many times. Giving up early goals is crippling to a team. It puts all the players on their heels before they have had a chance to even settle into the game. The Oilers needed an early save to get their season off on the right foot, and Talbot wasn’t able to deliver.
Talbot just hasn’t been the same goalie that took the Oilers to one game away from a Conference final berth in 2017.
Talbot redeemed himself the rest of the first period making some big saves, as the result of more defensive breakdowns. Unfortunately, the final 40 minutes were unacceptable from Talbot. Palmieri scored his second of the game on the PP that found a hole. This goal reeked.
There was traffic in front, but Talbot had a good sight line to the shooter and it simply just beat him clean. It was a shot that needed and should have been saved.
The nightmare continued shortly after, as Talbot and Kris Russell were unable to get on the same page behind the net resulting in a turnover. Talbot was late getting back into the net, resulting in an easy goal for Travis Zajac. Talbot and Russell have played together long enough where these crucial miscues shouldn’t be happening. Talbot needs to be sure he has support before he decides to just leave the puck sitting there.
Talbot just hasn’t been the same goalie that took the Oilers to one game away from a Conference final berth in 2017. He appears to have lost his confidence, which is key for all hockey players, but you can argue confidence is even more important for goaltenders. Unless he finds his game quick the Oilers have no chance of returning to the playoffs.