[HOOT]

Unless they find a superhero goalie, it isn’t going to help them at all. Edmonton ranks near the bottom in rush chances against, giving up some of the league’s highest rush xGA/60 and controlled-entry-against rates, which consistently expose their goalies to high-speed lateral plays. They’re equally poor in the defensive zone, sitting in the bottom five in slot shots against, high-danger chances against, and slot xGA, allowing opponents to attack the middle of the ice far too freely. Their inability to recover pucks compounds the issue because they are among the worst teams in net-front loose-puck recoveries and rebound chances allowed, turning harmless initial shots into extended pressure and second attempts. Edmonton also gives up volume from everywhere, allowing inflated shot totals across low, medium, and high-danger tiers, which reflects their struggles to exit the zone cleanly and break up cycles. The entire defensive structure leaks in every phase of play, from rush defense to slot coverage to sustained-zone pressure, creating one of the most difficult environments for any goaltender in the league, competing with teams like San Jose, Buffalo, and Chicago. I hope they blow some firsts because Skinner is an average NHL goaltender, not the problem.