Edmonton Oilers have a goaltending dilemma going into the playoffs

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S. Harper
April 12, 2022 (10:28)

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With the Stanley cup playoffs right around the corner the Edmonton Oilers have a huge dilemma when it comes to goaltending.

Platoon goaltending is like baseball's version of «bullpen by committee.» Both Goaltenders have shined but goaltenders have struggled and with Playoffs around the corner Edmonton Oilers Head Coach Jay Woodcroft has a very tough tough decision.

As we know the the playoffs are totally different beast than the regular season, goaltending can literally make or break a series.

The Case for Mike Smith

Smith is the veteran and more experienced than Koskinen. Smith has the experience and knowledge to lead the Oilers though he's struggled with injuries this season, however has shine in playoffs past. Smith is 12-9-2 with a 3.19 goals against average and .903 save percentage. If both goalies are stopping pucks at an equal rate, there is absolutely no question that Smith is a more valuable netminder because of his superior puck-handling ability.

The Case for Koskinen

In the big picture this season, Koskinen has been the better goalie. He's played nearly twice as many minutes as Smith. Koskinen has had a roller-coaster of a career, at times he has looked like the goalie they'd hoped he'd be when signing him from Russia but the majority of the time he's struggled. Koskinen is 25-10-4 with a 3.04 goals against average and .904 save percentage.

Both goalies are far below league average when it comes to goals against and save percentage. This was definitely something they needed to address at the trade deadline, but once again did not.

Credit:Sportsnet