Oilers’ Goaltending Takes Center Stage, but Consistency Remains Elusive
EDMONTON - For months, the Edmonton Oilers were searching for answers in net. Now, with Tristan Jarry and Connor Ingram splitting time between the pipes, it looks like they’ve finally found some stability - and not a moment too soon.
Let’s be clear: this recent stretch of goaltending has been nothing short of impressive. The duo has allowed just three goals over the last four games, including back-to-back shutouts last weekend. That kind of stinginess in net is the foundation of any playoff-caliber team, and it’s a welcome sight for an Edmonton squad that’s had more than its share of turbulence between the pipes this season.
“Both guys have come in and played really well, give us a chance to win every night,” said captain Connor McDavid after Wednesday’s practice. “That part of it is exciting - two good goalies who can play. But the team has been playing better, a little more soundly, I would say, so that would help.”
McDavid’s point hits home. Goaltending doesn’t happen in a vacuum.
When the skaters in front of you tighten up defensively, stay out of the box, and manage the puck better, it makes life a lot easier for whoever’s in net. Still, you can’t ignore what Jarry and Ingram have brought to the table - calm, control, and timely saves.
Ingram, in particular, has been a revelation. Called up from Bakersfield in mid-December after Jarry went down with a groin injury, the 26-year-old has seized his opportunity.
He’s posted a 3-1-1 record in his last five starts, allowing just six goals in that span. His lone loss?
A 1-0 heartbreaker to the Islanders. With a .917 save percentage and a 2.22 goals-against average, Ingram is doing more than filling in - he’s making a legitimate case to stay.
“I’m fortunate to be in a good spot where they’re happy to have me and I’m happy to be here,” Ingram said. “I’m just trying to prove every game that I belong here.”
The transition has been smoother than expected for Ingram, who spent a season in Nashville before landing in Edmonton via Utah. He credits the team’s welcoming environment and the familiarity of the system for helping him settle in quickly.
But make no mistake - this isn’t just about fitting in. It’s about earning trust, and so far, he’s doing just that.
Jarry, meanwhile, is working his way back into rhythm after missing nearly a month. Acquired in a trade that sent Stuart Skinner to Pittsburgh, Jarry knows the value of depth at the position.
“Every good team needs multiple goalies,” Jarry said. “Having us all playing well - it’s been a great rotation. When you have three goalies capable of going in there and winning games, I think it does nothing but help the team.”
That “three-goalie” mention is a nod to Calvin Pickard, who’s become the odd man out in this evolving crease equation. Pickard started the season in the mix for the starting job but now finds himself watching from the press box more often than not. Head coach Kris Knoblauch isn’t rushing any decisions on the goaltending hierarchy, especially as Jarry continues to work back to full health.
But even with solid goaltending and improved team defense, the Oilers still haven’t been able to string together three straight wins. That’s the part that’s been frustrating - and puzzling.
Over the last four games, Edmonton has outscored opponents 12-3, posted two shutouts, and yet only picked up two wins. They’ve dominated weaker Western Conference teams with 6-0 and 5-0 victories, only to drop tight games to tougher Eastern opponents - a 1-0 loss to the Islanders and a 2-1 defeat at the hands of the Devils.
Those losses mark the eighth and ninth times this season the Oilers have failed to notch a three-game win streak. For a team with playoff aspirations, that kind of inconsistency is a red flag.
“I don’t think I have an answer for that,” Knoblauch admitted after the Devils game. “You think of the games that we lost, it can be taking bad penalties, goaltending, poor defence, just not being able to score goals. The Islanders game was probably one of our best games of the season - the goalie stole that from us.”
It’s not the first time Knoblauch has seen his team play well and come up empty. He pointed to an early-season 1-0 loss to Minnesota as another example. But he also acknowledged there have been nights when the team simply didn’t show up - either late or not at all.
The Oilers are back on home ice Thursday night against Pittsburgh, the third game of an eight-game homestand. With Jarry facing his former team and Ingram continuing to make his case, the goaltending storyline remains front and center. But if Edmonton wants to turn the corner and start stacking wins, they’ll need to match that strong play in net with consistency across the board.
Because right now, the pieces are there - they just haven’t quite clicked into place.