Help On The Way For Oilers

According to Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Sun, goaltender Mike Smith is very likely going to join the Edmonton Oilers on their three-game road trip. With that, there's a very good chance that we will see him return to action. 

Smith has been out for over two months due to a lower-body injury. Yet, even without their 39-year-old starting goaltender, the Oilers have managed to maintain a good spot in the standings. At this time, they have an 18-11-0 record. Yet, the return of Smith couldn't come at a better time, as they are 4-6-0 in their last 10 games. 

Before his injury, Smith started off the 2021-22 season quite well. In three appearances, he has a 2-0-0 record, 3.08 GAA and .920 SV%. Mikko Koskinen originally did a fantastic job replacing him, but he has since cooled off. In 18 games, he now has a 12-6-0 record, 3.16 GAA and .902 SV%. Smith coming back will lower his workload, which may ultimately be the best thing for the backup. 

We will have to wait and see when Edmonton officially utilizes Smith in game action, but him joining the Oilers on their road trip is a major plus.

Photo Credit:  Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports