About the only thing Edmonton Oilers fans should feel (relatively) secure about, is that their team will be in the playoffs come April time. However, past this, there is plenty of concern surrounding an organisation which has been far too inconsistent this season.
From being a genuine contender for the best record in the Western Conference at the beginning of the year, the Oilers are now battling to even finish in a favourable position. As much as this team is talented enough to go all the way, not even having home ice advantage for the first round of the playoffs could make all the difference in their pursuit of a sixth Stanley Cup.
As such, when it was announced that Leon Draisaitl would miss Thursday night's important clash with the Winnipeg Jets, it came at a bad time. Yes, Draisaitl is only listed as day-to-day with an undisclosed injury, but any absence of the NHL's leading goal-scorer is going to impact the team.
Oilers lost the game's best player
It then got even worse during the actual game versus the Jets, as Connor McDavid was forced to leave after collision with Jets defenceman Josh Morrissey. As per Devon Hladunewich, McDavid appeared to grimace and favor his arm as he skated slowly to the bench, and he did not return for the third period.
At the time of writing, no update had been provided as to the extent of McDavid's injury, so Oilers fans will be anxiously awaiting that news. As per Derek Van Diest of NHL.com, Zach Hyman said: "I have no idea what’s going on with Connor. Hopefully he’s back (Saturday). It’s the first time since I’ve been here that (he and Draisaitl have) both been out in a game. It’s a little different, obviously, but I think it’s an opportunity for guys to step up and show our depth."
As if losing two of the top five players in the NHL wasn't enough, the Oilers also saw starting goalie Stuart Skinner leave the Jets contest towards the end of the third period. He collided with Jets winger Gabriel Vilardi, and was subsequently removed at the request of the concussion spotter.
Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch confirmed to the media postgame what had happened with the goaltender. As per the Canadian Press via Sportsnet, Knoblauch said: "It wouldn't have been me. And Skinner obviously didn't want to come out. It was the spotter."
Stuart Skinner struggling for Oilers even before his exit
As with McDavid and Draisaitl, it remains to be seen how long Skinner is absent for, but even before his apparent concussion, he was having a tough night. He allowed three goals on just 16 shots, in a game the Jets eventually won 4-3 in overtime.
In truth, this performance is indicative of how Skinner has performed of late, making critics wonder if Stan Bowman made a mistake in not adding a goalie ahead of the trade deadline. Since Mar. 7, the embattled Edmonton native has allowed a combined 14 goals and recorded a .870 save percentage in five starts.
Further, Skinner is on course for the worst statistical season of his time in the NHL. (We are not including 2020-21, when he made his NHL debut but only played in the one game.) His .896 save percentage, 2.85 Goals Against Average, .478 quality starts percentage, -6.7 GSAA and 3.07 GAA/A are all projected to be career-worsts.
These are challenging times for the Oilers, who not only need Skinner healthy, but also more productive. We know what he is capable after his performances during last season's playoffs, but even then he was still far too inconsistent at times.
In any event, the Oilers find themselves three points off first place in the Pacific Division and in fifth position in the Western Conference as a whole as of Friday morning. Next up they will play at home to the Seattle Kraken on Saturday, and it will be interesting to see how many of McDavid, Draisaitl and Skinner will be available.
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