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Buffalo commentator takes aim at Edmonton’s goaltending as Oilers lose 5-1 to Sabres
Photo credit: © Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
It was another eventful night for the Edmonton Oilers and for all the wrong reasons, as the team lost 5-1 to the Buffalo Sabres, who occupy the last-place spot in the Eastern Conference.
When the Oilers decided to pull Stuart Skinner late in the third period, it allowed the Sabres’ commentary crew to add salt to the wound. Shawn DePaz from the WhatChaos Show clipped the moment when Rob Ray, colour analyst for the Sabres and former NHL tough guy, decided to take a shot at Edmonton’s goaltending situation after the play-by-play announcer Dan Dunleavy mentioned the open net.
https://twitter.com/shawn_depaz/status/1990611042288750893
Dan Dunleavy: “Empty net for Edmonton.”Rob Ray: “Yeah, it has been for most of the night, so what’s the difference?”
The comments went viral after the game. Skinner allowed four goals on the night, and the reaction online was mostly in line with Rob Ray’s, although there was also pushback from Edmonton fans who felt the dig was unnecessary.
“As an Oilers fan, if you are mad at the commentator and not management, you are confused. Be angry with the GM who is choosing to put up with this garbage. Not the commentator who is stating the obvious. Number 97 is in the tail end of his prime, this still being an issue is unacceptable.” – Ryley_97 via X“Hahaha so funny enjoy missing the playoffs for 15 years.” – Bleed Oil Blue via X“This is making me laugh and cry at the same time.” – Oilers Daily via X“Pretty funny stuff from a commentator of a team that has not seen the playoffs for 13 years. Could have a look in on their goaltending the last few years.” – Brendan Fisher via X“Oilers fans in the comments are more pissed about a commentator rather than management that has put a mediocre team around McDavid and Drai for years. Traded away Holloway and Broberg for nothing, and have been carried by these two players for the last five years.” – MapleBlueBills via X“When you are getting absolutely dumped on by the Sabres play-by-play, you have probably hit rock bottom.” – rdryan33 via X“A team that has not made the playoffs in the McDavid era is mocking them.” – OilCult via X
It also did not help that the Sabres started Colten Ellis, who recorded his fourth career NHL game that night against the Oilers. It is a small sample size, but after four games, Ellis has a .914 save percentage and a 2.76 goals against average, with three wins under his belt. Those are numbers Oilers fans would love to see from their own goaltenders right now.
Before puck drop, Oilers GM Stan Bowman was on Oilers Now and shared his thoughts on the team’s goaltending and defence, as well as what the organization needs from them.
“So I think what we are looking for is our goaltending to be solid, and in conjunction with that, if our defence can manage the puck better, then I think we are going to be more effective as a team.” – Oilers GM Stan Bowman
Some fans are hoping that Rob Ray’s comment will send a message to the Oilers brass that they need to start working the phones to acquire a goaltender. If markets outside Edmonton can clearly see the issues, then so should the Oilers.
Edmonton will not have to wait long to get another crack at the Sabres, as Buffalo will visit Rogers Place on December 9.
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