Edmonton Oilers are desperate for a new look between the pipes
Photo credit: sportsnet
The Edmonton Oilers are coming off two back-to-back losses to Philadelphia Flyers and the Washington Capitals, and head coach Kris Knoblauch is starting to show signs of frustration regarding his goaltending tandem. That said, the playoffs are right around the corner, and the sentiment is at an all time low regarding goaltender confidence. While the Oilers face a crisis in net, a short term internal answer has presented itself -- Oliver Rodrigue.
Let's face it folks -- Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard aren't good enough to get the Oilers to where they were last season.
As much as I like Stuart Skinner, his game has fallen off a cliff this season, and the team needs to find a solution before it's too late.
While the Oilers have been struggling between the pipes, one prospect in particular has been making big splashes under the radar.
Olivier Rodrigue deserves a chance
According to Liam McCormick of Oilers Daily, Olivier Rodrigue was drafted in the second round by the Oilers in 2018, and has spent the last 5 seasons developing into a very successful goaltender at the AHL level.
Rodrigue has a solid .903 save percentage through 31 games this season, and has had a .916 and .912 in the two years prior.
Even though the Edmonton Oilers are hunting for their first Stanley Cup in over 30 years, they must prioritize keeping young talent.
According to the Hockey News, Over three seasons, his goals against average (GAA) and save percentage have deviated 0.04 points. That is rock solid consistency.
It would be no trouble for the organization to see Rodrigue be the backup goaltender-- especially with all the Oilers inconsistencies between the pipes.
The Oilers are currently ranked 3rd in the league, therefore GM Stan Bowman has some breathing room to experiment with his roster leading up to the trade deadline.
Although Stan Bowman recently admitted that the Edmonton Oilers won't be making an upgrade in net, Olivier Rodrigue has earned his shot -- and a test run would be prudent before the postseason.
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