The Edmonton Oilers are coming off a 5-2 loss to the Minnesota Wild on Saturday, a result that followed the injury to starting goaltender Tristan Jarry.
Despite the setback, Edmonton remains third in the Pacific Division for now. Still, a concerning trend among the team’s backup goaltenders has quickly caught fans’ attention.
Backup Goalie Stat Raises Red Flags for Oilers Fans Following Tristan Jarry Injury
Jarry suffered a lower-body injury during Thursday’s 3–1 win over Boston. He couldn’t finish the game and had to exit. And the Oilers subsequently placed him on injured reserve. It means he will miss at least the next three games.
To fill the roster spot, Edmonton recalled goaltender Connor Ingram from Bakersfield. Jarry had appeared in just three games with the Oilers after being acquired from Pittsburgh. He won all three while posting a 2.73 goals-against average and a .906 save percentage this season.
But the outlook for Edmonton’s backup options is concerning. Ingram has struggled in the AHL, with an .856 save percentage. While Calvin Pickard has an .861 save percentage at the NHL level this season. Among qualified goaltenders, those figures rank at the bottom of their respective leagues.
Pickard’s struggles were on display again Saturday, when he allowed four goals in the loss to Minnesota.
Fans quickly took to social media to react. One summed up the concern bluntly with, “Oh my lord.” While another questioned, “Are they actually considered qualified goalies with those save percentages?”
Some fans joked that the team might be “cursed,” while others highlighted the serious impact of goaltending on a playoff-caliber team. “Goaltending can make or break a season. Those are rough numbers for teams with playoff expectations,” The fan said.
Several fans suggested that the Oilers should pursue a more proven goalie. “If you’re truly serious about winning a cup, it’s time to cough up for Demko,” one fan wrote.
One user criticized the overreliance on stats like save percentage and goals-against average, saying, “If get 10 shots on net but they are all breakaways, and I let in 6 goals. You get 10 shots from the blue line and stop them all. Am I the worst goalie ever, and you, with your 100% save percentage, are the best ever? Save percentage and gaa are terrible stats to look at to judge.”
Overall, the reaction reflects growing concern among the fanbase about Edmonton’s goaltending depth and the urgency for management to take action, with Alex Lyon from Buffalo mentioned as a possible target depending on whether the Sabres are willing to make a move.
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The Oilers will look to address the situation before their next game against the Vegas Golden Knights on Sunday.
