Insider says Oilers discussing coaching change, but there's a bigger issue to address

In an appearance on the Donnie and Dhali TV show, Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman said that the Edmonton Oilers are discussing a potential change within the organization. But even if the Oilers do make a change, they still need to upgrade their goaltending.

Friedman was asked, "Elliotte, what's wrong in Edmonton and do you expect changes there?"

"I do. I do think they are discussing things like that. Look, like last night, the way Dave Tippett reacted, that's a coach who knows he's under pressure. That doesn't happen if he's not feeling it and I understand that," Friedman said.

He added, "Look, Koskinen had a rough night last night and you look at the two goaltenders last night, Koskinen and Georgiev. One of them stood on his head and made some big saves and the other one didn't. That's the reason the Rangers won the game. And when a coach does that you feel the frustration."

"What's interesting right now is Edmonton's skating in Toronto as we speak and Connor McDavid is not on the ice for the skate and the Oiler said they'd address that after practice. I hope everyone is okay and everything like that, you know they could have another issue there that they're going to have to deal with," Friedman said.

*Since this interview came out, it's been revealed that McDavid has tested positive for COVID-19.*

Friedman finished by saying, "I think the biggest thing is I wondered if they might bring (Stuart) Skinner back up from the American Hockey League to play. I think they are considering changes, but if they don't start getting some more saves, it's not going to matter who's coaching or anything else."

In their last twelve games, the Oilers have a record of 2-8-2, with Mikko Koskinen losing his last four starts. Calling up Stuart Skinner might be the most logical option for now, but eventually Ken Holland is going to have to acquire goaltending help, something he should have done last summer.

A couple of names to keep an eye on are Marc-Andre Fleury of the Chicago Blackhawks and Alexandar Georgiev of the New York Rangers. There may be other potential fits for Edmonton, but those two stand out to me the most.

Edmonton will be back in action on Wednesday night in Toronto against the Maple Leafs.

Source: Donnie and Dhali.

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