The Edmonton Oilers are heading into the final week of the 2025-26 regular season sitting atop the Pacific Division, but one question continues to follow them into the playoffs: Who is their No. 1 goalie?
General manager Stan Bowman has now stepped into the conversation, addressing the ongoing debate between Connor Ingram and Tristan Jarry, and pushing back against the growing blame game surrounding the team’s crease.
Oilers GM Stan Bowman Addresses the Team’s Goaltending Debate
Edmonton’s goaltending has been under the microscope all season. The shake-up began in December when the Oilers traded Stuart Skinner to the Pittsburgh Penguins for Tristan Jarry following a difficult start. Jarry initially brought some stability, winning his first three starts, but a lower-body injury on Dec. 18 opened the door for Connor Ingram.
Ingram took advantage of the opportunity, while Calvin Pickard provided depth when needed. Once Jarry returned to full health, Pickard was sent down to the Bakersfield Condors, leaving Edmonton with a two-goalie rotation, but still without a clear starter.
Statistically, Ingram has held the edge. He owns a .894 save percentage with a 2.78 goals-against average and has won four of his last five starts. Jarry, meanwhile, sits at an .882 save percentage and a 3.32 GAA, including a six-goal outing against the Utah Mammoth that intensified scrutiny.
Rather than placing the responsibility solely on the goalies, Bowman emphasized that team defense has played a major role in their numbers. He noted the market pressure in Edmonton but stressed that the skaters share responsibility.
“I think the biggest thing with our goaltending is that when we play a better team game, we give them a chance to be at their best. And I think when we don’t do that… then, it certainly puts a lot of pressure on our goalies. In those moments, that’s when they haven’t been at their best,” Bowman said.
Bowman added, “I guess you probably want everything, not only goalies to be good when the environment is easier for them, even when you’re playing bad, you want them to save the day. So, it’s fair to say that we haven’t nailed that part of it yet.”
Bowman also pointed to the team’s recent 5-2 victory over the San Jose Sharks, where the overall performance looked much sharper, and Connor McDavid delivered a five-point night. With better structure in front of them, the goaltending appeared more settled, something Bowman hopes the team can carry forward.
Still, despite sitting atop the division, Edmonton’s lack of a clear No. 1 goalie remains a talking point as the playoffs approach. Rotating between Ingram and Jarry may work for now, but postseason hockey often calls for a defined starter in net.
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For now, the Oilers will look to build momentum when they face the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday.
