Edmonton Oilers' goaltending crisis deepens: Did trade backfire as NHL playoff pressure mounts?

The Edmonton Oilers are once again being forced to answer questions regarding their goaltending situation as the season approaches the most pivotal period of the year thus far. The Edmonton Oilers have lost two of their last three contests since the break, prompting a reemergence of concerns regarding the crease situation that was largely deemed a non-issue within the organization earlier this year.Although the Edmonton Oilers’ defense has clearly played a role in their recent slide, the real question on every fan’s mind is whether or not the Edmonton Oilers’ goaltending gamble was a success.

Tristan Jarry trade fallout, shaky numbers and insider reports reveal Edmonton Oilers' true deadline priorities

The Edmonton Oilers took a big risk in December by trading goalie Stuart Skinner to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for Tristan Jarry. At the time, the Oilers’ goalie duo was near the bottom of the league in save percentage.

Jarry has been a welcome change, winning his first three games since joining the Oilers. However, he was recently sidelined by a lower-body injury, giving Connor Ingram a chance to shine in net. Since Jarry’s return, neither goalie has been able to stabilize the Oilers’ goalie situation, each having a save percentage under .900.In the latest games, Ingram gave up five goals in a loss to the San Jose Sharks, while Jarry was recently pulled after a poor outing in a game against the Anaheim Ducks.

These events are sparking rumors of the Oilers looking to make a goalie change before the trade deadline.However, as Elliotte Friedman, a veteran hockey insider, indicated, the Oilers are now prepared to stand behind their existing goaltender duo. According to Friedman, the Oilers are of the opinion that they have already made their choice between their goaltenders and are now prepared to proceed with this choice rather than make a further change.Instead, the Oilers are said to be looking to address other areas of their roster. The Oilers are said to be looking to acquire a right-side defenseman as well as a third-line center to bolster their depth at the position this season. One individual said to be a target of the Oilers is veteran defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson of the Toronto Maple Leafs; however, this would depend on whether the latter is willing to approve a trade.As such, the Oilers are prepared to wait out the season with their existing goaltender duo. However, if inconsistency continues to plague their chances of making a run for the playoffs, the Oilers’ decision to wait out the season could determine how far this roster goes once the playoffs arrive.