Knoblauch criticizes goaltending after disastrous Edmonton Oilers loss
Is it Groundhog Day in the Alberta capital?
For what seems like the millionth time this season, goaltending is the hot topic after a disastrous Edmonton Oilers loss. It was a 6-5 loss to the Anaheim Ducks on Wednesday night that once again sent a jolt of disappointment through Oilers fans and extended the team’s losing streak to four games.
Tristan Jarry was in the spotlight for this dismal performance, allowing five goals on 25 shots for an .800 save percentage on the night. That included three goals on five shots early in the third period, which ultimately got him pulled from the game.
It wasn’t even close to good enough, and head coach Kris Knoblauch didn’t shy away from criticizing his goalie’s play postgame.
“I wasn’t happy with the goaltending,” Knoblauch told reporters. “The goals that we gave up, especially in the third period, I didn’t like those. There was other mistakes there, but part of it is you need better goaltending.
“Tonight wasn’t one of [Jarry’s] best games.”
"I thought there were some really good performances from guys, Savoie was one of them."
Coach Knoblauch weighs in on the #Oilers 6-5 loss in Anaheim. @Enterprise | #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/9MiaAyKzVI
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) February 26, 2026
It’s frustrating for an Oilers team that just can’t seem to figure things out between the pipes. The hope was that moving on from Stuart Skinner would put an end to all the controversy, but things have only intensified with Jarry’s arrival and subsequent struggles.
The Oilers goaltender had a .909 SV% when he was traded from Pittsburgh to Edmonton in December, but has put up a .870 SV% in the 11 games since joining the team. That is worse than Skinner had with the Oilers before the trade.
“If I make an extra save here or there, the game could be different,” Jarry told reporters postgame. “I think if I can do a better job just keeping the puck out, I think we have a better chance.”
"Being better from that & just keep working."
Tristan Jarry shares his thoughts on the #Oilers defeat. @Enterprise | #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/sqqHXpjpIt
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) February 26, 2026
Connor Ingram is the other option in goal for Edmonton, though he’s also struggled with a .824 SV% in his last four outings as well. Calvin Pickard, meanwhile, has been among the worst statistical goalies in the entire NHL this year and is currently in the AHL.
The only goalie doing anything worthwhile in the organization of late is prospect Connor Ungar, who recently got demoted to the ECHL. It’s a miserable situation from all angles.
Things need to start getting better right away for the Oilers. The loss dropped them to third in the Pacific Division, and both the LA Kings and San Jose Sharks are hot on their heels. There is a real possibility that Edmonton could miss the playoffs, and that should come with some harsh consequences for both the coaching staff and management.
NHL.com
It’s desperation time for this Oilers club, and a solution to their goaltending woes must be found if they are hoping to claw their way to a third-straight Stanley Cup Final appearance.
The clock is ticking in Edmonton.