Oilers' Defensive Struggles, Trade Deadline Moves

0:00This is Corey, with NHL News Today, powered by the Daily News Now. Subscribe for daily updates on your team. The Edmonton Oilers have struggled defensively since the Olympic break, giving up an average of 4 goals per game over 3 matches. They earn just 2 points in that stretch, including a big 8-1 win over the Los Angeles Kings, but losses of 6-5 against the Anaheim Ducks and 5-4 to the San Jose Sharks. Looking into Friday's NHL trade deadline, General Manager Stan Bowman says the team won't chase another goalie. Bowman is in blaming the current tandem of Tristan Jerry and Connor Ingram, who the Oilers stuck with after trading Stewart Skinner and waving Calvin, pickered earlier this season. Instead, he points to broader issues, like the whole team meeting to play smarter in their own end, with better consistency from forwards and defense. Alight, Jerry has posted an 8-64 save percentage and 3.85 goals against average in 12 games since joining from Pittsburgh.

1:01Ingram sits at 894 and 2.75 since his call-up from the A.H.L. in late December. Still, Bowman stresses everyone must improve defensively to turn things around. The team created some catflexibility this week by sending forward Andrew Mangia Payne and defenseman Alec Regula through waivers to the minors. Mangia Payne's $3.6 million cap hit drops partly off the books in the A.H.L., freeing up space as they fight for the Pacific Division, led. Right now, Emmington holds third place with 66 points, trailing Vegas by 4 and Anaheim by 3, though both have games in hand. With just one game left before the deadline, Bowman could make moves like pursuing Chicago's Connor Murphy, making this a pivotal moment after two, straight cup final losses. These stories may possible by our sponsor. Podcasts hit different when the sound comes from your pillow. Once you try it, it just makes sense. S-O-L-I-A-SoliPillo.com This story is made possible by our sponsor.

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