Kris Knoblauch names Oilers starting goaltender and outlines plans for the goalie tandem
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Daniel Lucente
Jan 15, 2026 (2:19 PM)
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Photo credit: Walter Tychnowicz-Imagn Images
Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch revealed that Connor Ingram will get the start in goal tonight, and he also talked about the plans for the tandem going forward.
Per Tony Brar at Oilers TV, Edmonton will once again sit veteran winger Andrew Mangiapane on Thursday night against the New York Islanders as Curtis Lazar does return to the lineup.
Connor Ingram gets the start in goal, which was expected, per head coach Kris Knoblauch.
What has been a defining factor of Edmonton's season thus far
Roster turbulence has defined this season in Edmonton. Even with major offseason pickups like Andrew Mangiapane and Trent Frederic, the team hasn't managed to lock in steady roles.
After Stuart Skinner's early-season struggles, the crease saw a shift, too. The aftereffects of all that are still rippling through the lineup.
Both Mangiapane and goalie Calvin Pickard find themselves on the hot seat. Since Skinner's departure, the Oilers have taken to leaning more on Ingram despite Pickard posting good, but not spectacular, numbers over the past month.
Ingram's youthful potential and recent strong outings have seen him rise in the depth chart, culminating in getting the start after a solid game against Chicago.
Why Kris Knoblauch cannot firm up an official plan for the goalie tandem yet
Head coach Kris Knoblauch expressed that the organization hasn't firmed up a plan regarding the three goaltenders. It's purposefully left open, from weeks to months, hinging on decisions tied to Tristan Jarry's health.
"We aren't set on what we are going to do with three goalies. Will it be for the rest of the season, a few weeks or a few months. We haven't decided yet. With Jarry just returning from injury we want to be cautious and no over play him."
- Kris Knoblauch
- Kris Knoblauch
Having just come back from injury himself, Edmonton will look to pace Jarry rather than putting a lot on his shoulders.
In short, the Oilers are using this period to gauge Ingram's long-term NHL viability, a process which could soon force a tough call on Pickard's role.
Also read on HockeyLatest :
Elliotte Friedman confirms Andrew Mangiapane trade will happen, reveals three teams involved
Elliotte Friedman confirms Andrew Mangiapane trade will happen, reveals three teams involved
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 15 | 125 ANSWERS Kris Knoblauch names Oilers starting goaltender and outlines plans for the goalie tandem Who should be the Oilers' two goalies going forward? | ||
| Jarry-Ingram | 84 | 67.2 % |
| Jarry-Pickard | 19 | 15.2 % |
| Ingram-Pickard | 10 | 8 % |
| Other | 12 | 9.6 % |
| List of polls | ||