Oilers GM Stan Bowman sends clear message as he blames defensemen for one problem
Photo credit: Heavy Hockey Network
Oilers GM Stan Bowman sent a clear message to his defensemen, saying if they managed the puck better, then the goalies would be better.
Goaltending is a daily discussion in Edmonton, with each goal against serving as a springboard for a new debate.
Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard have been under the microscope since opening night on October 8, their frustration growing with every puck that finds its way into the back of the net.
On Monday afternoon, Oilers GM Stan Bowman joined Bob Stauffer on Oilers Now to address the most polarizing position on the roster.
As the public conversation about the crease grows louder, Bowman took a far more optimistic tone than many fans likely expected.
What Stan Bowman pointed to as the reason the goalies are struggling
Earlier in the interview, Bowman pointed to inconsistency on the back end as a big reason for the team's ongoing struggles.
He indicated the defensive group hasn't always given its goalies a stable environment, and that has influenced the numbers more than many realize.
"Goaltending will improve if defence can manage the puck better."
- Stan Bowman
- Stan Bowman
For now, it doesn't sound like Edmonton's GM is preparing to make any drastic moves.
Why fans won't like Stan Bowman's mentality
While much of the fan base is clamouring for change or at least a shake-up, Bowman appears confident that a better structure in front of the crease will ease some of the pressure on Skinner and Pickard.
After Monday's 5-1 loss in Buffalo, Skinner sits at 7-5-3 with a 2.86 goals-against average and an .889 save percentage. Pickard has struggled statistically, holding a 4.17 GAA and an .830 save percentage through seven appearances.
Those numbers fuel fan frustration, but the Oilers' decision-makers clearly see a bigger picture.
Patience in the stands is thin, but not in the front office. Edmonton believes internal improvement is still possible, and the coming weeks will tell whether that confidence pays off.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 18 | 142 ANSWERS Oilers GM Stan Bowman sends clear message as he blames defensemen for one problem Do you agree with Stan Bowman's assessment? | ||
| Yes | 65 | 45.8 % |
| No | 77 | 54.2 % |
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