Babcock Talks Getting Andersen Into Oilers Lineup: Is There Room for 3 Goalies?

Edmonton Oilers head coach Mike Babcock spoke ahead of Wednesday’s game against the Philadelphia Flyers, and he got a lot of questions about the team’s goaltending situation. When asked about how solid the netminding has been, he gave credit to both Devon Levi and Tristan Jarry, but also said that the team’s play in front of both has been better, which allows them a chance to look good.

With two goalies playing well and the Oilers having found a more solid defensive structure, what does that mean for when veteran Frederik Andersen is healthy?

Babcock said the former Stanley Cup-winning Carolina Hurricanes backstop is still about a month and a half from returning. They’ve known that for some time. What the Oilers might not have known, or at least foreseen, is that both of their other goaltenders would be playing as well as they are. It’s a great problem to have, but it may lead to questions about what happens if all three are ready and all three are offering quality goaltending?

Does Andersen Get The Same Treatment as Levi and Jarry?

“I don’t think Freddy’s going to have much trouble playing good,” said Babcock. “He’ll just get his opportunity in the rotation and then they’ll work it out.”

Does work it out mean a three-goalie rotation? It could, and depth would be nice if injuries or poor play occur. It’s also tricky trying to juggle the schedule for three goalies. Someone gets cold. Another goalie is left out of practice time. Eventually, teams that badly need a netminder might come calling.

Andersen was never meant to be the starter. He knew that by signing in Edmonton, he was looking at fewer than 20 games. It might be even less if Levi keeps playing the way he’s playing and Jarry continues his bounce-back season. The Oilers can’t theoretically pull either for a veteran who was only ever meant to be a Plan C, can they?

Will the Oilers count their blessings that they’ll have three goalies capable of playing games and potentially starting? Or will enough be learned about Levi and Jarry as a tandem that someone becomes expendable? At the trade deadline, the Oilers will probably want to be active. A capable goalie could come in handy.

The Oilers take on the Flyers Wednesday night and Jarry will get the start. Another solid performance from him, and there could be a real debate about who Edmonton’s No. 1 is.

Next: Babcock Offers Injury Update and Game Plan for Matt Savoie