The Edmonton Oilers' early season struggles have reached a critical point, prompting one of hockey's most respected analysts to suggest an immediate solution. According to top NHL analyst Ray Ferraro of ESPN, the team's most pressing issue requires a quick fix in goal.
Multiple Problems Plague Struggling Oilers
Speaking on the Ray & Dregs podcast, Ferraro didn't mince words about the Oilers' current situation. "Their play in front of him (Stuart Skinner) — and whoever's in there — is not even close for what it needs to be," Ferraro stated. He emphasized that the team appears to be dealing with multiple issues simultaneously. "They are off in several different areas. And the biggest problem becomes you fix one problem and another one seems to spring up. That's where they are right now."
The analyst also highlighted the significant impact of Ryan Nugent-Hopkins' absence due to injury. "He's such a valuable piece for them in almost every facet of their game, right? He's really, really a quiet, very important piece." Ferraro further questioned whether some of the team's veteran players might be experiencing a decline in performance, noting that "you can't think that everybody's going to be the same year after year after year."
The Goaltending Dilemma
Ferraro identified backup goaltender Calvin Pickard as the most immediate concern. Despite Pickard's popularity in the locker room and his affordable $900,000 to $1 million salary, his performance has been concerning. "It's one thing to say, 'Oh yeah, he's just the back-up.' But the back-up's got to play 25 times. You can't just throw games away," Ferraro argued.
The analyst suggested that addressing the backup position would be more practical than seeking a new starting goaltender, especially since Stuart Skinner hasn't had a great year either. However, Ferraro was quick to note that changing goaltenders alone wouldn't solve all of Edmonton's problems.
Broader Defensive Concerns
Ferraro pointed to systemic issues beyond just the goaltending. "They don't check like they did a year ago. They don't defend like they did a year ago. And all that adds up into those really concerning defensive numbers," he observed. The analyst warned that relying on offensive firepower alone isn't sustainable, stating "You can't expect to score five goals a game. Like they have got wonderful offensive people, but man, they're going to have to really figure how to cut that down."
The statistics support Ferraro's concerns. Through 22 games, the Oilers have accumulated 22 points, but this masks their actual performance. With nine wins and 14 losses (including four overtime losses), the team sits well below .500 in terms of actual win-loss record.
Immediate Pressure for Change
The situation appears to be reaching a tipping point. Pickard was expected to start against Tampa Bay after Skinner played consecutive games against Buffalo and Washington. Pickard's statistics are particularly alarming—he currently holds the lowest save percentage (.830) of any regular NHL goaltender this season. The next worst performer, Samuel Ersson of Philadelphia, has posted an .846 save percentage in six games.
With Pickard having appeared in seven games this season and continued struggles, the pressure is mounting for management to make a move. As frustration grows among the fanbase—including team ownership—the need for immediate action becomes increasingly apparent. The Oilers face the challenge of addressing multiple issues quickly before their season slips further away.
