Who Are the Oilers Choosing as Their Playoff Goalie?

The Edmonton Oilers are suddenly staring down a good problem to have. Just a few weeks ago, there was talk that their goaltending was suspect, and the worry leading into the trade deadline was that no one in the system was going to be reliable enough to make a long postseason run. Today, things remain imperfect, but both Connor Ingram and Tristan Jarry have found their game.

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Head coach Kris Knoblauch was asked recently about both goalies and if a starter now and in the playoffs had been determined. He didn’t have an answer, but he did praise both netminders.

Speaking with Jim Rome on “The Jim Rome Show” on Friday, Knoblauch noted, “It’s going really well. When you’re on a five-game winning streak, goaltending obviously has a lot to do with that.” He added, “Always, when you’re having successful years, goaltending is a big part.

It sounds like the net is Ingram’s to lose, but Jarry is making a case for himself of late. “Tristan Jarry got off to a great start with us. Had an injury, kinda had a little setback. Took a while to get his game back, but his last two starts have been fantastic,” said the coach. But Ingram hasn’t lost his job… at least not yet.

“Connor Ingram was brought in as a depth goalie, and now he’s taken over the role as our starting goalie right now. So right now, we’re very happy with our situation.”

What About the Playoffs?

With the playoffs nearing, Knoblauch will have to make a decision. Edmonton is playing well, but nothing is guaranteed, and a first-round matchup will pose challenges if he runs with a goaltender who goes cold.

Jarry has been inconsistent, while Ingram has been more reliable over a longer stretch. Still, there are concerns about running Ingram too heavily, and it might be about going with the hot hand as the playoffs approach. Would the Oilers rotate throughout the playoffs? Most successful teams peg a starter and stick with them unless it’s absolutely necessary to make a switch.

It’s a tough call that may get tougher over these last half-dozen games. If both goalies play well, it’s a great problem to have.

Next: Oilers HC Kris Knoblauch ‘Hoping’ Leon Draisaitl Is Ready for the Playoffs