Good morning, everyone, and a happy Monday to all of you. I&#8217;ve got a brand new mailbag ready to go after taking your questions and sending them to the crew for their take on whatever is on your mind. This week, we&#8217;re discussing Stuart Skinner&#8217;s rollercoaster start to the year, top six scoring, the Pacific Division, and much more. If you’ve got a question you’d like to ask, email it to me at <a class="text-accent" href="mailto:baggedmilk@oilersnation.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">baggedmilk@oilersnation.com</a> or on Twitter at <a class="text-accent" href="https://www.twitter.com/jsbmbaggedmilk" rel="noopener noreferrer">@jsbmbaggedmilk</a>, and I’ll get to you as soon as I can.

<figure id="attachment_164049" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-164049" style="width: 818px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class=" wp-image-164049" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/USATSI_24670536_168383996_lowres-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers Stuart Skinner" width="818" height="545" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/USATSI_24670536_168383996_lowres-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/USATSI_24670536_168383996_lowres-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/USATSI_24670536_168383996_lowres-768x512.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/USATSI_24670536_168383996_lowres-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/USATSI_24670536_168383996_lowres-2048x1366.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 818px) 100vw, 818px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-164049" class="wp-caption-text">Nov 3, 2024; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner (74) during the second period against the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure>
1) Taylor asks &#8211; Stuart Skinner has had plenty of highs and lows throughout the season so far, but what do you think is the biggest reason for the wild fluctuations from game to game?
Jason Gregor:
I don’t know if I see it game to game. He had a few rough games earlier in the season, but lately he’s been much better. I wish I had a good answer as why he has those tough funks, like we saw early last year as well. There were a few rough reads off the rush where he took too much ice and was unable to get across, but it’s not like he is always giving up a goal glove side or blocker for instance. I wonder if part of it is more on the mental side.
Tyler Yaremchuk:
One thing I notice when he&#8217;s off is that he moves around in the crease a lot more. Lately, he&#8217;s looked very calm during his last two games and we&#8217;re seeing the results. If he can stay patient and not jump around as much, I think we&#8217;ll see his numbers go up.
Baggedmilk:
I wish I knew the answer to why his game has been up and down, but I&#8217;m choosing to believe he&#8217;s rounding the corner. His last two starts have had save percentages of .941 and .967, so I&#8217;m hopeful he just needed some time to get himself going. Dare to dream?
<figure id="attachment_161058" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-161058" style="width: 816px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class=" wp-image-161058" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/USATSI_23577687_168383996_lowres-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers celebrate goal" width="816" height="544" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/USATSI_23577687_168383996_lowres-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/USATSI_23577687_168383996_lowres-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/USATSI_23577687_168383996_lowres-768x512.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/USATSI_23577687_168383996_lowres.jpg 1390w" sizes="(max-width: 816px) 100vw, 816px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-161058" class="wp-caption-text">Jun 18, 2024; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Edmonton Oilers forward Corey Perry (90) celebrates scoring against Florida Panthers with forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (93) and forward Leon Draisaitl (29) and defenseman Evan Bouchard (2) during the second period in game five of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption></figure>
2) Yves asks &#8211; A lot of discussion around the Oilers has rightly pointed to the fact that the team isn&#8217;t getting enough top-six scoring right now, but what does everyone think about how the bottom six is playing? Do we like the group as it is? Is there room for improvement there?
Jason Gregor:
Oilers offence has been fine the past month. Were 6th highest scoring team in November, and it was due to top six finally going. Janmark and Brown each had six points in November, and Adam Henrique outscore opposition 8-2 at 5&#215;5, while Brown was 7-2 and Janmark 6-3. They need an upgrade at 4C. Corey Perry has been fine for a 4RW.
Tyler Yaremchuk:
Janmark has been tremendous and Perry has produced a solid amount of offense. Players like Ryan and Henrique need to contribute a bit more, but the production has been fine.
Baggedmilk:
There&#8217;s always room for improvement. That said, I do wonder if the Oilers would want to add more speed to the mix with players like Derek Ryan starting to look his age. Could you see a scenario where Noah Philp gets recalled and replaces him? I can.
<figure id="attachment_162797" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-162797" style="width: 780px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class=" wp-image-162797" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/USATSI_24560566-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers defenceman Troy Stecher and goalie Stuart Skinner" width="780" height="520" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/USATSI_24560566-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/USATSI_24560566-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/USATSI_24560566-768x512.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/USATSI_24560566-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/USATSI_24560566-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-162797" class="wp-caption-text">Oct 22, 2024; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Carolina Hurricanes forward Sebastian Aho (20) battles with Edmonton Oilers defensemen Troy Stecher (51) in front of goaltender Stuart Skinner (74) during the second period at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure>
3) Clay asks &#8211; We&#8217;ve seen a few of the insiders speak about how the Oilers are likely looking at a defensive upgrade before doing anything in net. Do you agree with that strategy, or would you spend assets to upgrade something else instead?
Jason Gregor:
The only realistic upgrade in net would be the backup position. I don’t see them paying big cost to get a starter. Granted, I feel Skinner is just fine. He got them to game 7 of Cup Final and played very well outside of a few rough early games v. VAN.
Tyler Yaremchuk:
Yes. If you go and spend assets on a goalie then you&#8217;re basically saying that you&#8217;re comfortable with Troy Stecher playing every game in the playoffs. They need a blueline upgrade.
Baggedmilk:
Yes, I absolutely agree. I think bolstering the defensive group would go a long way in terms of locking things down in their own zone. Skinner still has to make the stops, but I think a better d-group will reduce some of the high-danger situations he faces.
<figure id="attachment_161984" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-161984" style="width: 755px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class=" wp-image-161984" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/USATSI_24450225-1024x683.jpg" alt="Calvin Pickard Stuart Skinner" width="755" height="503" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/USATSI_24450225-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/USATSI_24450225-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/USATSI_24450225-768x512.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/USATSI_24450225-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/USATSI_24450225-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 755px) 100vw, 755px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-161984" class="wp-caption-text">Oct 9, 2024; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers goaltender Calvin Pickard (30) replaces goaltender Stuart Skinner (74) after allowing 5 goal on 13 shots against the Winnipeg Jets at Rogers Place.</figcaption></figure>
4) James in Peterborough asks &#8211; Goaltending has been an issue for the Oilers over this first quarter of the season. Do you think that Olivier Rodrigue may be given a chance to prove himself with the big club at some point this season if things don&#8217;t improve significantly?
Jason Gregor:
I do not, unless an injury occurs.
Tyler Yaremchuk:
No. Pickard is playing well and there&#8217;s no reason to risk waiving him so that Olivier Rodrigue can get a look. I don&#8217;t like that idea at all.
Baggedmilk:
I doubt it. Rodrigue wasn&#8217;t great during the pre-season, and I think the better idea would be to leave him do his thing in the AHL without the pressure of having to backstop a Stanley Cup contender.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-130057 size-full" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Screen-Shot-2023-03-17-at-10.24.41-AM.png" alt="" width="632" height="402" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Screen-Shot-2023-03-17-at-10.24.41-AM.png 632w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Screen-Shot-2023-03-17-at-10.24.41-AM-300x191.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 632px) 100vw, 632px" />
5) Oilers fan in Van asks &#8211; What is everyone&#8217;s take on the Pacific Division? Looking at the standings, no one is really running away with the lead yet, even though Vegas has recently carved out some space for themselves.
Jason Gregor:
It is wide open for Edmonton to win it. The Oilers are 13-6-2 in their last 21 games. They’ve played quite well, but it seems many in Oilersnation are focusing more on a few tough plays in games, rather than the wins. Oilers play Vegas twice in their next six games and those games could go a long way in the Oilers winning the division for the first time since 1987.
Tyler Yaremchuk:
I slept on Vegas a bit more than I should have. The Kings have been good too, but I think they&#8217;ll fall off. I think my big mistake was overlooking Vegas a bit too much. Should be a tight race for the top spot this year.
Baggedmilk:
I think the Pacific Division is starting to take shape. The Oilers are heating up, Calgary is starting to slide, Vancouver is medi0cre, and the Kings are mostly where I expected them to be. Outside of a few fast or slow starts, I&#8217;m not overly surprised about where teams are at even though I did absolutely think the Flames would be worse than they are.
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Good morning, everyone, and a happy Monday to all of you. I've got a brand new mailbag ready to go after taking your questions and sending them to the crew for their take on whatever is on your mind. This week, we're discussing Stuart Skinner's rollercoaster start to the year, top six scoring, the Pacific Division, and much more. If you’ve got a question you’d like to ask, email it to me at <a class="text-accent" href="mailto:baggedmilk@oilersnation.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">baggedmilk@oilersnation.com</a> or on Twitter at <a class="text-accent" href="https://www.twitter.com/jsbmbaggedmilk" rel="noopener noreferrer">@jsbmbaggedmilk</a>, and I’ll get to you as soon as I can.



[caption id="attachment_164049" align="aligncenter" width="818"]<img class=" wp-image-164049" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/USATSI_24670536_168383996_lowres-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers Stuart Skinner" width="818" height="545" /> Nov 3, 2024; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner (74) during the second period against the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images[/caption]

1) Taylor asks - Stuart Skinner has had plenty of highs and lows throughout the season so far, but what do you think is the biggest reason for the wild fluctuations from game to game?

Jason Gregor:

I don’t know if I see it game to game. He had a few rough games earlier in the season, but lately he’s been much better. I wish I had a good answer as why he has those tough funks, like we saw early last year as well. There were a few rough reads off the rush where he took too much ice and was unable to get across, but it’s not like he is always giving up a goal glove side or blocker for instance. I wonder if part of it is more on the mental side.

Tyler Yaremchuk:

One thing I notice when he's off is that he moves around in the crease a lot more. Lately, he's looked very calm during his last two games and we're seeing the results. If he can stay patient and not jump around as much, I think we'll see his numbers go up.

Baggedmilk:

I wish I knew the answer to why his game has been up and down, but I'm choosing to believe he's rounding the corner. His last two starts have had save percentages of .941 and .967, so I'm hopeful he just needed some time to get himself going. Dare to dream?

[caption id="attachment_161058" align="aligncenter" width="816"]<img class=" wp-image-161058" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/USATSI_23577687_168383996_lowres-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers celebrate goal" width="816" height="544" /> Jun 18, 2024; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Edmonton Oilers forward Corey Perry (90) celebrates scoring against Florida Panthers with forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (93) and forward Leon Draisaitl (29) and defenseman Evan Bouchard (2) during the second period in game five of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]

2) Yves asks - A lot of discussion around the Oilers has rightly pointed to the fact that the team isn't getting enough top-six scoring right now, but what does everyone think about how the bottom six is playing? Do we like the group as it is? Is there room for improvement there?

Jason Gregor:

Oilers offence has been fine the past month. Were 6th highest scoring team in November, and it was due to top six finally going. Janmark and Brown each had six points in November, and Adam Henrique outscore opposition 8-2 at 5x5, while Brown was 7-2 and Janmark 6-3. They need an upgrade at 4C. Corey Perry has been fine for a 4RW.

Tyler Yaremchuk:

Janmark has been tremendous and Perry has produced a solid amount of offense. Players like Ryan and Henrique need to contribute a bit more, but the production has been fine.

Baggedmilk:

There's always room for improvement. That said, I do wonder if the Oilers would want to add more speed to the mix with players like Derek Ryan starting to look his age. Could you see a scenario where Noah Philp gets recalled and replaces him? I can.

[caption id="attachment_162797" align="aligncenter" width="780"]<img class=" wp-image-162797" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/USATSI_24560566-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers defenceman Troy Stecher and goalie Stuart Skinner" width="780" height="520" /> Oct 22, 2024; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Carolina Hurricanes forward Sebastian Aho (20) battles with Edmonton Oilers defensemen Troy Stecher (51) in front of goaltender Stuart Skinner (74) during the second period at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images[/caption]

3) Clay asks - We've seen a few of the insiders speak about how the Oilers are likely looking at a defensive upgrade before doing anything in net. Do you agree with that strategy, or would you spend assets to upgrade something else instead?

Jason Gregor:

The only realistic upgrade in net would be the backup position. I don’t see them paying big cost to get a starter. Granted, I feel Skinner is just fine. He got them to game 7 of Cup Final and played very well outside of a few rough early games v. VAN.

Tyler Yaremchuk:

Yes. If you go and spend assets on a goalie then you're basically saying that you're comfortable with Troy Stecher playing every game in the playoffs. They need a blueline upgrade.

Baggedmilk:

Yes, I absolutely agree. I think bolstering the defensive group would go a long way in terms of locking things down in their own zone. Skinner still has to make the stops, but I think a better d-group will reduce some of the high-danger situations he faces.

[caption id="attachment_161984" align="aligncenter" width="755"]<img class=" wp-image-161984" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/USATSI_24450225-1024x683.jpg" alt="Calvin Pickard Stuart Skinner" width="755" height="503" /> Oct 9, 2024; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers goaltender Calvin Pickard (30) replaces goaltender Stuart Skinner (74) after allowing 5 goal on 13 shots against the Winnipeg Jets at Rogers Place.[/caption]

4) James in Peterborough asks - Goaltending has been an issue for the Oilers over this first quarter of the season. Do you think that Olivier Rodrigue may be given a chance to prove himself with the big club at some point this season if things don't improve significantly?

Jason Gregor:

I do not, unless an injury occurs.

Tyler Yaremchuk:

No. Pickard is playing well and there's no reason to risk waiving him so that Olivier Rodrigue can get a look. I don't like that idea at all.

Baggedmilk:

I doubt it. Rodrigue wasn't great during the pre-season, and I think the better idea would be to leave him do his thing in the AHL without the pressure of having to backstop a Stanley Cup contender.

<img class="aligncenter wp-image-130057 size-full" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Screen-Shot-2023-03-17-at-10.24.41-AM.png" alt="" width="632" height="402" />

5) Oilers fan in Van asks - What is everyone's take on the Pacific Division? Looking at the standings, no one is really running away with the lead yet, even though Vegas has recently carved out some space for themselves.

Jason Gregor:

It is wide open for Edmonton to win it. The Oilers are 13-6-2 in their last 21 games. They’ve played quite well, but it seems many in Oilersnation are focusing more on a few tough plays in games, rather than the wins. Oilers play Vegas twice in their next six games and those games could go a long way in the Oilers winning the division for the first time since 1987.

Tyler Yaremchuk:

I slept on Vegas a bit more than I should have. The Kings have been good too, but I think they'll fall off. I think my big mistake was overlooking Vegas a bit too much. Should be a tight race for the top spot this year.

Baggedmilk:

I think the Pacific Division is starting to take shape. The Oilers are heating up, Calgary is starting to slide, Vancouver is medi0cre, and the Kings are mostly where I expected them to be. Outside of a few fast or slow starts, I'm not overly surprised about where teams are at even though I did absolutely think the Flames would be worse than they are.
<h2>PRESENTED BY STAR MECHANICAL</h2>
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