Behind Enemy Lines
Registered User
I'm happy to be dead wrong about this year's Oilers goaltending. The big difference imo is that the Smith signing has turned into a significant win for this team in three areas: positive and assertive veteran leadership, quality performance, and net mentorship and competition for Koskinen.
Koskinen, despite his age and Euro experience, came to North America as a diamond in the rough with a great toolkit and pedigree earned in a very different league with a vastly different style of play. He's had to learn his evolve his game in a smaller rink and against the best competition and shooters in the world, and a rigorous schedule and travel. We saw a fair bit of inconsistency last year with this adjustment varying wildly from stellar play to wearing down and exposed glovehand/positioning. Smith's addition and mentorship/platoon system is bringing out the best in Koskinen who seems to have high confidence and steady, consistency within the balanced workload. I really credit Holland and especially Tippett for viewing this potential chronic issue area (net minding) and bringing in Smith to create competition but one as an established end of career mentor to help Charelli's last 'parting gift' of a three year question mark into a solid NHL goaltender for this team.
Koskinen, despite his age and Euro experience, came to North America as a diamond in the rough with a great toolkit and pedigree earned in a very different league with a vastly different style of play. He's had to learn his evolve his game in a smaller rink and against the best competition and shooters in the world, and a rigorous schedule and travel. We saw a fair bit of inconsistency last year with this adjustment varying wildly from stellar play to wearing down and exposed glovehand/positioning. Smith's addition and mentorship/platoon system is bringing out the best in Koskinen who seems to have high confidence and steady, consistency within the balanced workload. I really credit Holland and especially Tippett for viewing this potential chronic issue area (net minding) and bringing in Smith to create competition but one as an established end of career mentor to help Charelli's last 'parting gift' of a three year question mark into a solid NHL goaltender for this team.