Edmonton Oilers’ Goaltending Woes Continue Into 2025-26

The Edmonton Oilers have a problem in the crease. They’re going into the playoffs with the same goaltending duo that struggled in 2024-25. Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard will give you everything they have, but struggle to yield results. This isn’t the first time this has been said about these two netminders. However, Stan Bowman and company have a limited time to amend the crease. This coming season presents a new challenge. As the Oilers enter the final season of Connor McDavid’s contract, it might be the organization’s last chance to go all-in. The clock is officially ticking in Edmonton.

For the Oilers, the coming month before the season starts will be critical. Two consecutive Stanley Cup Final defeats leave a bitter taste in the mouths of fans. Goaltending has been highlighted as the glaring difference between the Oilers and Panthers, who bested Edmonton twice. If Edmonton wants to grasp a sixth Stanley Cup, it’s going to need an upgrade in the crease. Skinner and Pickard’s track records have not been up to scratch.

Oilers’ Goaltending

Stuart Skinner

Skinner’s postseason was one of feast and famine. There was a time when he won by shutout or posted a sub-900 save percentage on the night. His struggles early in the playoffs led to a goaltending change, but his recovery when Pickard was injured was impressive. It led some to believe that change was possible, and this player was growing into the role. Had the Oilers gotten over the line against Florida, this conversation wouldn’t be happening.

Instead, we must talk about Skinner’s 2.81 goals against average and his .896 save percentage from last season. These are not good enough for a Stanley Cup Contender. That got worse in the playoffs with an .889 save percentage and a 2.88 goals against average. That is despite all the first four wins he had in the playoffs coming as shutouts. It’s extremely underwhelming for a team trying to collect another Stanley Cup. It’s not that he isn’t capable of producing good performances; it’s the variation in consistency. Edmonton needs more from its backstop if it’s going to capture another Stanley Cup.

Calvin Pickard

Pickard’s issues are just as abundant. He came in for the playoffs, and he gave the Oilers a chance to win. That doesn’t mean he is the answer. With the shortcomings of Skinner on display, there wasn’t much of an option. When the Edmonton Oilers handed him the reins, they just hoped. Pickard was better in the regular season than in the playoffs. When that is considered with his injury sustained against Vegas, it wasn’t an awful display.

Pickard posted a 2.71 goals-against average and a .900 save percentage last season. That’s not awful. However, the playoffs proved to be too much. His .886 save percentage and 2.85 goals against average sank the roster. It wasn’t good enough, and it proved to be part of the Oilers’ undoing.

Bowman’s Insistence on Keeping Course

Bowman has been unwilling to waver in his belief in these two. That must change if the Oilers want to win the Stanley Cup. These playoff collapses have been the undoing of this franchise in the last two seasons. As the future dims with this window, the Oilers must get over the hump soon. A new goaltender is the biggest priority for this team in the new season.

With that said, there has to be a level of understanding when it comes to Bowman’s stance. Right now, the NHL is in an unprecedented position. 31 teams believe they are competing for a playoff spot. The entire league, sans Pittsburgh, has playoff ambitions. That makes improving in such an important area difficult. As we approach American Thanksgiving, teams will get reality checks, opening the door for Bowman to find a fit. That’s when the true judgement of this season can begin.