The Edmonton Oilers' recent surge up the standings has hit a significant roadblock. The team announced on Friday that starting goaltender Tristan Jarry has been placed on injured reserve. In a corresponding move, the club has recalled netminder Connor Ingram from their American Hockey League affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors.
Timeline and Immediate Impact
The injury occurred during the Oilers' 3-1 victory over the Boston Bruins on Thursday, with Jarry leaving the game just past the halfway mark. Being placed on IR means Jarry will be unavailable for a minimum of one week, sidelining him through the Christmas break at the earliest. This development comes at a critical juncture in the Oilers' schedule.
The team has three games before the holiday pause, concluding a five-game road trip against the Minnesota Wild on Saturday. They then return home to face two crucial divisional opponents: the Vegas Golden Knights, who are tied for first in the Pacific Division, and the Calgary Flames. The loss of their starting goaltender casts a shadow over these key matchups.
Goaltending Conundrum for Edmonton
The recall of Connor Ingram presents a challenge for the Oilers' coaching staff. Since being acquired from the Utah Mammoth for future considerations in early October, Ingram's performance in the AHL has been subpar. His statistics with the Condors include a record of 4-5-2 in 11 starts, accompanied by a 4.04 goals-against average and a .856 save percentage.
These numbers are strikingly similar to those of current Oilers backup Calvin Pickard, who holds a 3-4-2 record with a 3.91 GAA and an .858 save percentage at the NHL level. The situation creates a precarious goaltending scenario for Edmonton as they attempt to maintain their position in a tight playoff race.
Roslovic Added to Growing Injury List
Compounding the team's woes, the Oilers also moved forward Jack Roslovic to long-term injured reserve on Friday. Roslovic, who signed as an unrestricted free agent on October 8, had been a pleasant surprise for the Oilers before his injury. He had recorded 17 points (10 goals, 7 assists) in his last 16 games prior to missing the last 10 contests with an undisclosed issue.
Roslovic now joins a crowded LTIR that includes Kasperi Kapanen (lower body), Jake Walman (undisclosed), and Noah Philp (upper body). Kapanen is reportedly targeting a return "around Christmas time," according to head coach Kris Knoblauch, offering a small glimmer of hope for the injury-plagued roster.
The Oilers now face the difficult task of navigating a tough stretch of their schedule without their starting goaltender and a key offensive contributor. The performance of Calvin Pickard and the newly recalled Connor Ingram will be under intense scrutiny as the team fights to keep its playoff aspirations alive.
