Oilers News & Rumors: McDavid Talk, Key Wins, & Goalie Rumors

In an Edmonton Oilers news and rumors update, Connor McDavid talks about the upcoming All-Star changes, as well as the work the team still has to do get back into the playoff mix. That will start on Saturday against the Ottawa Senators. Meanwhile, there is talk about a slight shift in focus when it comes to a goaltender trade, and one analyst points out something key about the way the team is winning games.

McDavid Talks All-Star Game and Playoff Aspirations

In a recent statement, there’s a clear indication that the NHL and the Players’ Association (PA) are committed to working together to elevate the entertainment value of special events for fans. Emphasizing the desire to provide an engaging and enjoyable experience for the audience, the focus extends beyond regular-season games to include events such as skills competitions, notes Connor McDavid. He had a huge hand in reshaping the way the Skills Competition was structured this year.

Acknowledging that recent skills competitions have tended to be lengthy and slow, McDavid said, “There will no surfboards this year, which is good.” He wanted to find a way to captivate the audience without the skills dragging on.

Meanwhile, McDavid also talked about the work the Oilers still need to do despite their recent hot streak. When asked about the Ottawa Senators’ mindset coming into the game tonight as a team that needs a win, McDavid said the Oilers are still in that mindset too. The team isn’t out of the trouble area and losses could take them right back out of the playoff conversation.

There’s Good News in the Way Oilers Are Winning Games

In a recent analysis, ex-player turned broadcaster Louie DeBrusk underscored a pivotal element contributing to the team’s recent success. He underscored the significance of their playing style in achieving long-term prosperity and playoff goals. He suggested there is something different about the way the team is winning lately.

DeBrusk highlighted a departure from past seasons, where victories were occasionally attributed to outstanding goaltending or risky maneuvers that lacked enduring effectiveness. He lauded the Oilers’ current approach, emphasizing a strategic and reproducible game plan enabling them to influence the tempo, dominate zones, and consistently secure triumphs.

Related: Oilers Benefiting From Light NHL Schedule

According to DeBrusk, this methodology positions the team for enduring success long-term and into the playoffs.

Have Oilers Changed Their Stance on Acquiring a Starting Goalie?

According to insights from Allan Mitchell of The Athletic, the Oilers may be altering their approach to the goaltending scenario. Rather than pursuing a major acquisition, Mitchell suggests that the team is leaning towards a more modest deal, potentially targeting goaltenders like Dan Vladar or James Reimer.

Mitchell writes:

Management is no doubt still seeking a goaltender by the deadline, but the equation is quite different as the team approaches the midway point of the campaign. The club doesn’t have a severe need for a No. 1 goaltender with Skinner’s positive regression.

source – ‘Lowetide: Why NHL’s goalie trade market a strange brew for Oilers’ – Allan Mitchell – The Athletic – 01/05/2024

Currently, Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard, the Oilers’ goaltending duo, have demonstrated commendable performances since the recent coaching change.

Mitchell highlights the effectiveness of Skinner, who has logged 976 minutes, and Pickard, with 340 minutes, in providing stability between the pipes. Their reliable tandem performance allows the Oilers the flexibility to potentially concentrate on addressing other areas of concern within the team’s roster. Would a smaller trade for a less-costly goaltender be enough? Do the Oilers even need to rush a trade the way both Skinner and Pickard are holding things down?