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Sunday Scramble: Don’t expect Oilers to make goalie trade, media scrum drama, Bettman quiet on expansion, and more

8 15
01.12.2025
What did we learn about the Edmonton Oilers this week?

Not much.

The Oilers have long been fans of the zig-zag. Think they’re turning the corner? No, no. That game against Dallas was a classic Oilers trap. Coming off an emotional win vs arch-nemesis Florida, they had one of their several letdown games this season.

So in response, we see a much more concerted effort on Saturday afternoon against the offensively flailing Kraken, up there with one of their best games of the season.

The penalty kill went a perfect 6/6.

Tuesday against the Wild? Would any of us be surprised if the Oilers look slow, sloppy, and disinterested? I wouldn’t.

A week ago, I said this stretch would be a “hinge” part of their season, playing 6/7 at home, and a chance to really tinker under the hood of what ails the team’s play.

It started with hysteria and rightful concern, and ended with a tidy 26-save shutout for Stu Skinner. That’s hockey, baby! We turn to December…

Five-game homestand:

  • Tuesday vs Minnesota
  • Thursday vs Seattle
  • Saturday vs Winnipeg
  • Tuesday, Dec. 9 vs Buffalo
  • Thursday, Dec. 11 vs Detroit

It wasn’t as bad as advertised

I did have a thought about the Jim Matheson/Stu Skinner drama of the week.

In case you missed it, long-time scribe Matheson asked during a Skinner scrum:

“The fans, every time they turn around, they want another goalie,” Matheson said. “They don’t want you. That must hurt, or does it?”

Skinner replied:

“It’s happened a few times here. I think it happens anywhere around the league. Goalies need to come up with big saves at big times. I’m not really too sure how much I can say on that either. That’s kind of just part of the game of being a goalie. I decided to choose that. I’m going to try and get my kids to be a player.”........

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