As the Edmonton Oilers prepare for the upcoming NHL season, all eyes will be on the hopeful battle between goaltenders Jack Campbell and Stuart Skinner. Last season Campbell had a rough season and Skinner took the starting job. In a perfect world, the starting job becomes a battle.
Jack Campbell
Campbell, who was signed by the last offseason, before last season has been a solid performer throughout his career. He had a career save percentage of .917 and a goals-against average of 2.32. Last season though he regressed to a 0.88 SV% and a 3.41GAA. These numbers need to improve.
Stuart Skinner
Skinner, on the other hand, established himself as a full-time NHL goaltender last season. He played 50 regular season games and put up a 2.73GAA and a 0.914SV%. He was also selected to the Pacific Division All-Star team. If he can put up these numbers again, I don’t think Edmonton Oilers fans will have issues with that.
Both goaltenders will be looking to make their case for the starting job during training camp, and it will hopefully make it a tough decision for Oilers head coach Jay Woodcroft. Campbell has a history of playing well but struggled last season. Whereas Skinner has youth and last season’s success.
Ultimately, the decision will come down to who can perform best on the ice during the preseason and early part of the regular season. It’s a battle that will be closely watched by Oilers fans, as the team looks to improve on their playoff performance from last season.
Regardless of who emerges as the starter, in a perfect world, the Edmonton Oilers will have two capable goaltenders who can help the team win games. The battle between Campbell and Skinner will be one to watch this training camp and throughout the season.
Edmonton Oilers Hockey Is Upon Us
As we start to go through the rookie camp, train camp and preseason we are inching closer to meaningful hockey once again. As much as I know these preseason activities are important to get the players ready for the season, I am very eager to watch a regular season NHL game.