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5 questions with Oil on Whyte ahead of tonight’s matchup between the LA Kings and the Edmonton Oilers

By Cameron Franck

Jan 9, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) passes past Los Angeles Kings center Quinton Byfield (55) during the first period at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) passes past Los Angeles Kings center Quinton Byfield (55) during the first period at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports /
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Question #3: From an outsider’s perspective, the goalie situation for the Oilers has seemed questionable all season long. Who can the Kings expect to face in net tonight?

"A: “The Oilers goaltending has been fairly decent so far this season, the thing is: it’s with Stuart Skinner as the starter, not the big offseason signing in Jack Campbell. Jack Campbell has had a really tough season where he has let in at least one goal in a game that most goalies should make. He may have a good win/loss record for the way he has played, but his save percentage is a reflection of his poor play. So the Kings should expect to see Stuart Skinner tonight as well as on the 4th. I think Campbell will only be getting one more start and that is on a back to back. The only way I see Campbell starting more than that is if the last game of the season is meaningless standings wise.”"

As mentioned earlier, Jack Campbell’s contract isn’t exactly matching up with his performance of play this season. Currently, his record on the season is 19-9-4 in 34 games played. In those 34 games, he has a .882 save percentage and a 3.59 goals against average.

Not the best season for Soupy, but thankfully, for Edmonton, Stuart Skinner has been playing well this season. Skinner is 24-14-5 in 45 games played, and he has a .908 save percentage to go along with a 2.95 goals against average.

Mar 11, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner (74) during the first period against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner (74) during the first period against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /

Much better statistics than Jack Campbell, which makes sense as to why he has been named the starter. It reminds me of a very similar situation with the Kings’ Cal Petersen. Soon after he received a three-year contract extension, he became unplayable at the NHL level and has been sent down to the Ontario Reign where he will remain for the foreseeable future.

Hopefully, the Kings can solve Stuart Skinner tonight and bring home the win like they did on November 16, 2022, in Crypto.com Arena. Thousand Oaks native Trevor Moore led the way with a hat-trick.

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