EDMONTON — A crucial question arises at this point in the season.
Is it more significant for an undermanned team to unleash 87 shots on the Dallas Stars` net, rally from a 4-0 deficit to narrow the score to 4-3 before the game concludes?
Or is it more telling that the Edmonton Oilers, often perceived as lacking physicality this season, witnessed their starting goalie, Stuart Skinner, get injured in a play where a Stars player showed little hesitation in encroaching Skinner`s space?
Adding to the concern, Dallas also pressured backup goalie Calvin Pickard, seemingly without fear of reprisal.
It appears to be open season on Edmonton`s goalies, a concerning sign for a team with considerable veteran presence.
“I was angry at myself because I missed what happened,” admitted Corey Perry, addressing the Oilers’ response to protect their goalie. “I was on the ice when Rantanen collided with Skinner.
“That’s my fault. I should have prevented it.”
While Rantanen`s actions might not have been deliberate, the reality is when your goalie is injured — Skinner indeed missed the subsequent game in Seattle — there`s no time for deliberation.
