Photo credit: James Guillory – Imagn Images
During an off-ice event at West Edmonton Mall, Oilers’ fans showed tremendous support for their team’s struggling goaltenders.
Fans demonstrate love for goalies
In what was perhaps a strategic move, Skinner and Pickard were placed at the same table during the autograph session.
And it was a success, in terms of turnout; but more so for the support fans demonstrated, putting their fandom into perspective by engaging the goalies as people, and not just hockey players.
This season has not been easy on the Oilers, in particular for the tow goalies, who are feeling the pressures of a losing season, none more so I’m sure, for what they place on themselves.
To have the fans backing them up, however, is encouraging and no doubt raises their level of confidence, knowing that fan-expectation also comes with fan-support.
And to know that Skinner and Pickard were the most popular of all the Oilers’ players present at the event emphasizes how the team’s fans feel about them.
All they need now is to string together some wins, and Rogers Place will be roaring with cheers for their team and goalies. That would be special to see.
Whether it’s too late for Skinner, Pickard, or both, is a question that only the front-office can answer. Recent reports suggest the team is focusing on some of its other needs first, and will then address goaltending.
Also, Oilers have been given to Christmas to show improvements, a goal they are more than capable of achieving.
Thirteen games remain until Christmas. If they can win even 8 of those, it would go a long way toward qualifying for the playoffs.
As of today, they are only four-points behind the 1st-place Ducks.
Previously on Edmonton Hockey Daily
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NOVEMBRE 28 | 373 ANSWERS
Oilers fans have a strong response to Skinner and Pickard at local fan event
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