Edmonton Oilers
Are the Oilers’ Post-Jarry Goaltending Numbers Being Cherry-Picked?
Edmonton’s goaltending has improved since acquiring Tristan Jarry, but fans are debating whether the recent stats tell the full story.
Since acquiring Tristan Jarry on December 12 and calling up Connor Ingram following Jarry’s injury, the Edmonton Oilers’ goaltending results have sparked debate, particularly when compared to ongoing fan reaction to the trade of Stuart Skinner. Oilers Now host and color analyst Bob Stauffer posted an update on the current numbers, suggesting things were looking up for Edmonton. Other fans jumped in, asking Stauffer to also look at Skinner’s results in Pittsburgh.
On the surface, the post-Jarry numbers appear encouraging. Since Dec. 12, Edmonton ranks seventh in the NHL in goals-against average (2.78). Jarry himself has gone 4-0-1 with a 2.58 GAA and .907 save percentage, while Connor Ingram has posted nearly identical efficiency. Calvin Pickard has gotten much better after a rocky start, making a decision on which two goalies to keep a bit more challenging.
That said, context matters.
Is Stauffer Cherry-Picking Certain Goaltending Results?
Some fans were quick to point out that Edmonton’s season-long GAA still sits in the bottom third of the league, and critics weren’t shy about arguing that such a small sample size doesn’t mean the Oilers’ goaltending issues are fixed. Some fans have also noted that Skinner has posted stronger individual numbers recently, including an impressive run over his last five appearances.
Skinner has a .902 save percentage and 2.42 GAA since joining the Penguins.
This raises a key question: Is the boasting about Edmonton’s new three-goalie system a flex that hasn’t been earned? Meanwhile, is the criticism of Skinner rooted in performance or perception?
The timing on both sides make this an interesting debate. Yes, Edmonton looks to have found some success with their three goalies and all are looking better. Skinner has played well after a rough start as well. Perhaps Stauffer is looking for the positives, while some Oilers fans are defending Skinner and being pragmatic about the netminding situation, unwilling to say things are fixed until the duo is chosen or playoffs prove there’s a good tandem in place.
It could be that the new “new goalie effect,” is painting an inaccurate picture of what’s really going on. At the same time, the Oilers may have finally found their guy(s).
Edmonton’s goaltending hasn’t suddenly become elite, but there are solid signs that it’s no longer a massive liability.
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