Edmonton Oilers Goaltender Out Again

Edmonton Oilers head coach Dave Tippett told reporters that goaltender Mike Smith will be out for the next one to two weeks due to a partially torn thumb tendon. 

It's pretty safe to say that the injury bug just will not leave Smith alone. Earlier this season, the 39-year-old goaltender missed over two months. Since then, he also reinjured himself briefly, but then returned for January 5th's game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Yet, the veteran will once again be forced to miss time. 

In six appearances this season, Smith has a 2-2-1 record, 3.76 goals-against average, and .898 save percentage. Since coming back from his initial injury, however, he's looked a bit rusty. In three starts, he has allowed 13 goals on 93 shots. That equates to just over a .860 save percentage.

The Oilers are set to call up goalie Stuart Skinner. In nine appearances this year with the Oilers, the 23-year-old has a 4-5-0 record, .916 save percentage, and 2.70 goals-against average. Mikko Koskinen has seen the most time in net, as he has a 12-7-1 record and .900 save percentage in 20 games. 

This is bad timing for the Oilers, as they are trying to get themselves back into the playoff picture. Now, they will need to get out of this horrible stretch of play without their starter yet again. 

Photo Credit: © John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports