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3 Takeaways from the last week of Oilers hockey

By Almar Reyes

Apr 17, 2023; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers head coach Jay Woodcroft during the first period against the Los Angeles Kings in game one of the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Walter Tychnowicz-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 17, 2023; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers head coach Jay Woodcroft during the first period against the Los Angeles Kings in game one of the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Walter Tychnowicz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Edmonton Oilers Jack Campbell
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MAY 12: Jack Campbell #36 of the Edmonton Oilers comes into the game to replace Stuart Skinner #74 in the second period of Game Five of the Second Round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena on May 12, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Golden Knights defeated the Oilers 4-3. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

3) Goalie tandem is abysmal

As the NHL season kicked off, the Edmonton Oilers and their devoted fan base harboured renewed hope for what the campaign could hold. A significant part of that optimism was centred around the expectation that goaltender Jack Campbell would be better. However, as the season has unfolded, it’s become evident that Campbell’s preseason success has yet to manifest in the regular season.

Unfortunately, the transition from the preseason to the regular season has not been seamless for Campbell. The dazzling saves and shutout performances that Oilers fans witnessed in exhibition games have proven elusive when it truly counts. The result is a rollercoaster of emotions for fans who had placed their faith in the goaltender to bring success to Oil Country.

Campbell, a goaltender with an established track record of success, possesses the talent and work ethic needed to overcome these early-season obstacles. Every player faces slumps and adversity at various points in their career, and it’s often the response to these challenges that defines their character.

The struggles of Campbell have led the Edmonton Oilers to once again turn to their sophomore netminder, Stuart Skinner. This decision comes with a sense of caution, as Skinner’s performance in the previous playoffs did not meet expectations. The Oilers’ goaltending tandem, comprised of Campbell and Skinner, currently holds a goals-against average of 4.10, which places them as third-worst in the league in this statistical category.

Next. How many losses till the Oilers fire Woodcroft?. dark

While the team is facing challenges in the net, it’s essential to recognise that the Oilers’ defensive unit has not been offering substantial support to their goaltenders. This places added pressure on Campbell, Skinner, and any other netminder who takes the crease, as they are forced to make every save count. To achieve success, the Oilers will need to address their defensive shortcomings and find a balance between providing their goalies with better protection and improving their overall performance.

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