The Edmonton Oilers (6-5-3) lost their last game against the St. Louis Blues on Monday night, 3-2. It was a solid effort all around form the Oilers who blew a 2-0 lead and lost from a goal in the final 1:23 in the third period.
Now they look to have a bounce back game against the Dallas Stars (6-3-3) on Tuesday as they visit them in Texas. The Stars themselves are on a skid, having lost their previous two games, both overtime losses with a record of 3-0-2 in their past five.
Goaltending needs to bounce back
It is a topic that has been a major talking point for quite a while in Oil country but the Oilers netminders have been shaky to start the 2025-26 National Hockey League season. Both goalies have been struggling with a .900 or under save percentage.
In nine games this year, Stuart Skinner has a 4-3-2 record with a 2.52 goals against average and a .900 save percentage. Calvin Pickard through five games has a 2-2-1 record and 3.42 GAA and .850 save percentage.
Skinner gets the nod tonight and has been trending upwards after his last start on November 1st against the Chicago Blackhawks. In 29 games he stopped 27, finishing the night with a win and .931 save percentage.
If the goalies cannot turn it around, the Oilers will look to make moves to upgrade their crease.
Players to watch
Stuart Skinner
As the starting goalie, all eyes will be on Skinner but even more so with how things have gone this year and last. The keepers are directly under the microscope, especially after all of the drama and narratives from this past summer. If this tandem is to remain the same into the postseason, they will need to find their game.
Jack Roslovic
He has scored powerplay markers in two straight games so Jack Roslovic will certainly have the spotlight as he looks to extend his streak. Since he signed with the Oilers, he has scored six points (three goals, three assists) in 12 games played.
Trent Frederic
Through 14 games this year, Trent Frederic has only one goal. After the Oilers acquired him at the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline, they re-signed him to an eight-year contract extension worth $3.85 million annual average value. He will look to take a step and start to bounce back this season.