The tone in Kris Knoblauch’s voice signals to me he’s toying with the idea. When questioned after Edmonton Oilers practice, he sounded like he’s leaning toward the decision, but won’t say it yet. 

If he had a dog to walk around his hotel, he’d do the Don Cherry trick and ask Blue who he should start: Gerry Cheevers or Gilles Gilbert? In this bastardized case, it’s Connor Ingram or Tristan Jarry. 

“Very rarely in today’s NHL does one goalie play every game in the playoffs. We got two good goalies. We feel confident that both can play,” he told reporters on Saturday, as he wouldn’t confirm a starter for Game 4. 

My spidey senses are tingling. 

If Ingram wasn’t sharp early, the Oilers could’ve been blown off the ice even worse than they eventually were in Game 3, pummeled in the shot clock and total time of possession. As the game went along, the Ducks capitalized on a couple of rebounds and rush chances. Six beat Ingram, seven went in the net, but the team as a whole got what they deserved, despite Ingram’s efforts. 

The Oilers have allowed 16 goals in the three games, the most they’ve surrendered in a three-game stretch since Nov. 4-10 against Dallas, Colorado, and Columbus. In just pure goals allowed, this is right up there for the worst all season long. Impressive in its own way, given how porous the Oilers’ defence was before the Olympic break. 

The Oilers battle level and puck management is killing them.

Anaheim has manufactured danger with the number of screens, tips, and rebound goals they’ve scored. Their confidence is growing. 

“If you want to win in this league, if you want to win in the playoffs, (your compete level) has to be high every single night,” said Mikael Granlund. 

They’re trading turns. It was Troy Terry’s in Game 1 with two goals and three points. In Game 2, it was Cutter Gauthier with two goals and three points. 

Game 3 was Granlund’s night with a goal and three assists. A disallowed goal for a high-stick would’ve made it even more impressive. Even still, it was a career night in his 80th playoff game. 

Two things are true at once. The Oilers are not losing because of Connor Ingram. I’d argue, he’s been the better goalie in the series. It’s also true that Ingram has to find a way to suck in one or two more of those rebounds that are springing off of him. 

Yes, Tristan Jarry is 2-0-1 in his last three games, but starting him does feel like a scary proposition. What is scarier is having a total apprehension of starting the lone goalie under........

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