With top scorers, a strong defensive core, and two of the world’s finest players like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, the Edmonton Oilers have everything a Stanley Cup contender could want. However, goaltending is one obvious problem that keeps coming up. In particular, fans, commentators, and even the team’s most ardent supporters have made Stuart Skinner’s inconsistency a hot topic of conversation. Throughout the season, Oilers supporters have been arguing over whether he is the right man or if the team needs a different strategy.

The frustration hit a new high when a dedicated fan page of Oliers, @oilersnationdotcom, dropped a post on February 3, summarizing an in-depth analysis on Oilersnation.com. The post broke down why Edmonton is taking a huge risk sticking with their current tandem of Skinner and Calvin Pickard, captioned, “Over on Oilersnation.com, NHL Sid, one of our writers, analyzes the data and results, explaining why the Oilers would be taking a significant gamble if they continue with their current goaltending duo. Link in story to the full article.” And let’s just say—fans had thoughts.

It’s a tough spot. Skinner has shown flashes of brilliance, but he’s also had stretches where he’s just not that guy. His playoff history? Not exactly inspiring. Remember in 2023, he got pulled two times in the postseason against the Kings and once against the Golden Knights? And this season? His save percentage against playoff teams is floating around .870—not exactly Cup-winning material.

Meanwhile, Pickard has been solid but was never supposed to be the team’s backup in the first place. He was meant to be an AHL guy, but Jack Campbell’s struggles forced the Edmonton Oilers to call him up. So, what’s the move? Do the Oilers ride it out, trust Skinner to figure it out, and hope Pickard holds up? Or do they pull the trigger on a goalie upgrade before the deadline? Fans are split—and they’re making their voices heard.

Is goaltending really the issue for the Edmonton Oilers?

The NHL fans have divided opinions; one said, “Just try a new goalie coach, and if there isn’t improvement, then see about moving on.” Honestly, not a bad take. Edmonton has cycled through goalies like a playlist on shuffle—Mike Smith, Mikko Koskinen, Jack Campbell—and the results have barely changed. Maybe the issue isn’t the goalies but how they’re being coached. The Oilers have a history of goalies having one great season and then falling off a cliff. Sound familiar? (Looking at you, Jack Campbell.)

Another suggested, “Skinner and Pickard are playing fine. There are going to be highs and lows, and not every game will be an all-star performance.” Sure, every goalie has rough nights. But the Edmonton Oilers’ biggest weakness? Goaltending. Edmonton is top-5 in scoring, top-2 in skater defense metrics, but only 18th in goals saved above expected. That’s a massive gap. If they’re serious about winning the Cup, why settle for “fine” when everything else is elite?

“I think it’s a mistake to move on from Stu this early in his career. He was the starter for a team that went to Game 7 in the SCF. Is there improvement to make? Definitely. But there’s also a lot of potential.” The Oilers haven’t made a Stanley Cup Final in the Skinner era, but he was crucial in getting them to the second round last season, finishing the regular season 29-14-5 with a .914 SV% and even earning a Calder Trophy finalist nod. However, his playoff performance told a different story—his .883 SV% led to him getting pulled for Calvin Pickard in Games 5 and 6 against Vegas. Fast forward to this season, and the inconsistency remains, with his save percentage dipping to .902 overall and just .871 against playoff teams. While there’s potential, the Oilers are in win-now mode, and banking on Skinner suddenly finding playoff consistency is a gamble that could cost them a real shot at the Cup.

One backs Skinner by saying, “I hope u know we made it to the finals last year with him. With a better and healthier team this year, they can get it done.” Actually…they didn’t. The Edmonton Oilers lost in the second round last year to Vancouver. And in those playoffs? Skinner got yanked three times. If anything, that’s exactly why this argument doesn’t hold up. Can he go on a run? Maybe. But based on what we’ve seen, betting the entire Cup window on that hope is a huge risk.

“Ngl, anyone disagreeing with this needs to pay attention more. One of the worst tandems in the league statistically.” Hard to argue when the numbers back it up. Skinner’s .870 save% against playoff teams? Not good. Pickard’s AHL history? Also not reassuring. Compare that to Cup contenders like Igor Shesterkin, Andrei Vasilevskiy, or Connor Hellebuyck. The difference is staggering. At some point, stats don’t lie. So what do you guys think about it? Let us know in the comments below!