Connor Ingram's Stanley Cup Playoffs Debut

0:00It's April 18th, this is NHL News Today, powered by AI, your team, your update. As the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs kickoff, all eyes in Edmonton are on Goldtender Conner Ingram as the Oilers number one starter. The team walk down second place in the Pacific Division thanks to a steady play down the stretch and he'll hit the ice for game 1 against the Anaheim Ducks on Monday April 20th. Earlier this season, Ingram signed on October 1st as backup insurance, got sent to the A.H.L's Bakersfield squad for 11 games, then got the call up on December 19th after injuries and a trade shook up the crease. Steward Skinner shipped to Pittsburgh for Tristan Jerry, who struggled. Post injury, Oilers fans are buzzing about Ingram's turnaround, especially after his master Tentrophy nomination on April 8th, he snagged it back in 20. 24 with Arizona, amid personal battles and league support. Coach Chris Noblowke named him the guy on March 15th, sidelining Picard, V.O. Wavers.

1:04Ingram posted 16 wins and a 2.60 goals against average over 32 games, fuelling talk he's like Dwayne Rolesan, the legend who carried. Edmonton to the 2006 finals with zero prior playoff time here. Post Olympic break, the team's defense tightened up big time, setting him up nice. If Ingram holds the fort in these high-stake spots, he could etch his name in oil country lore and push the Oilers deep into the dance playoff start. Now, so we'll see if this surprise starter delivers the goods.