Insiders Have Heated Debate Over Oilers’ Biggest Problem This Season

The Edmonton Oilers’ inconsistent start has led to plenty of finger-pointing, but two issues have drawn the most attention: goaltending and the team’s schedule over the first 20 games. Bob Stauffer and NHL insider Frank Seravalli got into a heated debate about the two topics on Stauffer’s Oilers Now show Monday, and Seravalli wasn’t letting the host make excuses for Edmonton.

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Stauffer argued that the schedule and Stanley Cup Final hangover was a thing. Seravalli responded, “Are we really going to go there?”

While Seravalli agreed that the Oilers have had a tough schedule, it can’t be used to excuse their substandard play. He also didn’t buy into the narrative that two losses in the Cup Final were impacting the way Edmonton has gotten out of the gates.

Some executives around the league point to Edmonton’s heavy early road schedule as a small factor, one worth maybe 15–20% of the blame. Others argue that injuries have chipped away at depth and continuity. But the biggest slice of the pie, the one no one avoids, is the play between the pipes.

The Oilers’ Goaltending Needs To Be Addressed

Analysts estimate that goaltending has contributed 25–30% of Edmonton’s struggles. Stauffer suggested there is no imminent plan to address it.

“I think ultimately the play of Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard likely over the next month is going to decide the course of action that Stan Bowman is going to have.”

That comment led Seravalli to respond that he’s not surprised, as the Oilers, despite knowing it’s an issue, have yet to try to solve the problem. Skinner and Pickard have had stretches of solid work, but consistency remains elusive. The question becomes, even if both have a solid December, why should the team feel confident that either can keep it going? Oilers need certainty in net, not question marks.

That’s why the next month looms so large. If Skinner and Pickard stabilize, Bowman may stay the course. Which may ultimately be the team’s downfall this season. Seravalli said the Colorado Avalanche were proof that an organization has no excuses when it comes to their goaltending. They can change up the entire tandem in one fell swoop if they want to. It might not be easy, and it might be expensive, but it is doable.

That the Oilers aren’t doing so is more a choice than anything.

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