The knee-jerk reaction on social media is that the Edmonton Oilers must pull the plug on the feel-good story of Connor Ingram and turn to another goaltender for Game 4, possibly Tristan Jarry, who has been even less popular among fans than Stuart Skinner. However, Hall of Fame goaltender Grant Fuhr believes that if Ingram starts, he should be on a short leash.
Fuhr's perspective on the goaltending situation
Fuhr, who watched Game 3 while working as a media commentator in Coachella Valley, said, “I don’t think Ingram was bad last night. But sometimes you have to make a change to get the players’ attention.” The Oilers are in a 2-1 series hole against the Anaheim Ducks, and Ingram has allowed 11 goals in the last two losses after a strong Game 1 performance.
Goaltending statistics and comparisons
Ingram won five of his last eight regular-season starts, with two losses being 1-0 in Los Angeles and 2-1 in a shootout against Colorado. In contrast, Jarry struggled in six of his last eight starts, posting save percentages of .806, .741, .839, .800, .840, and .750, including a 6-5 loss in Anaheim. Ingram’s season save percentage of .899 ranked 24th, while Jarry’s .882 was 51st.
Through the first three playoff games, Ingram’s save percentage is .849, which is not much worse than Ducks’ goalie Lukas Dostal’s .874. However, Ingram has faced a higher volume of screened shots, with 13 scoring chances where a screen was the primary threat, tied with Boston’s Jeremy Swayman for the most. Both Ingram and Dostal have allowed four screened goals, the most in the playoffs.
Coaching decisions and team dynamics
Oilers GM Stan Bowman, who traded Skinner and Brett Kulak to acquire Jarry in December, has a stake in the goaltending decision but typically stays away from coaching choices in the playoffs. Head coach Kris Knoblauch and goalie coach Peter Aubry will make the final call. Knoblauch did not reveal the Game 4 starter on Saturday.
Fuhr emphasized that while Ingram is part of the problem, the defensive breakdowns in front of him have been chaotic. The Ducks have effectively executed their plan to get bodies in front of Ingram, and the Oilers defenders must do a better job clearing the crease.
