Team Canada and the Edmonton Oilers are facing the same struggle and the Oilers need to act
Photo credit: Imagn Images
Team Canada played hard but fell to Team USA in the 4 Nations Faceoff last night, with goaltending playing a big role in the defeat like it has for the Edmonton Oilers this season.
While Canada has elite talent up front and on the blue line, their goaltending remains their weakest position and is a concern that mirrors Edmonton's struggles in net.
While Binnington made good saves throughout the game, that one extra goal made the difference between a potential overtime battle and a regulation loss.
Credit also goes to Team USA's shutdown defense and the excellent play of
Connor Hellebuyck, but an early weak goal allowed the Americans to settle into a defensive rhythm and making life even tougher for Canada's offense.
With Canada also missing their top three defensemen, their goaltending had to be even sharper, and he wasn't and that's what led to the defeat that happened last night.
After some shaky moments against Sweden as well, there's a growing chance Team Canada turns to
Adin Hill against Finland.
Similarly, the Oilers might need to reflect on this game and consider whether their current goalie tandem can truly carry them through big games in playoff matchups.
One soft goal in a tight game can be the difference between a championship run and an early exit, so it's a confirmation that the Edmonton Oilers needs to make a move and replace their goalie tandem.
Previously on Oilers Central
| POLL |
FEVRIER 16 | 338 ANSWERS Team Canada and the Edmonton Oilers are facing the same struggle and the Oilers need to act Do you think the Edmonton Oilers should take an example from Team Canada and change goalies? |
| Yes | 223 | 66 % |
| No | 115 | 34 % |
| List of polls |
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Feb 24 | By Patrick Frost Jordan Binnington has landed on the Edmonton Oilers radar |
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Feb 23 | By Patrick Frost Insider gets brutally honest about Calvin Pickard's performance |
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Feb 23 | By Patrick Frost Edmonton Oilers are desperate for a new look between the pipes |
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Feb 23 | By Patrick Frost Connor McDavid criticizes the Edmonton Oilers performance |
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Feb 23 | By Patrick Frost Kris Knoblauch starting to grow weary of Stuart Skinner - calls him out post game |
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Feb 23 | By Patrick Frost Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson may not longer be an option for Edmonton Oilers |
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Feb 23 | By Patrick Frost Edmonton Oilers make shocking last minute roster change |
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Feb 23 | By Patrick Frost Preview: Edmonton Oilers drop projected lineup against Washington Capitals |