Oilers: Three players that need to be on another level this season

3. Mikko Koskinen

We have talked about Mikko Koskinen a lot here in the past. Koskinen needs to be better this season. He was inconsistent and often a liability last year, and now they need him to do his best for one more season before his contract is up.

I am not talking about Koskinen playing well so that they can re-sign him. I think that bridge is closed pending an amazing run this season. Rather the team just needs someone to rely on in their net when Mike Smith cannot play.

If Koskinen can put up decent numbers and give the Oilers a chance to win games when he is in the net then they will be alright throughout the season and into the postseason should Smith fall to an injury.

Koskinen is built like an NHL goalie, very tall and capable of taking up a lot of the net, but he has struggled in the past. Maybe this long offseason has given him time to improve his game. It would make things easier if he can be someone they can rely on as a backup otherwise another trade will be necessary during the season to improve their goaltending position.