Kris Knoblauch chose Connor Ingram over Calvin Pickard for tonight’s game, and the message is becoming clearer: Ingram’s earned his spot, at least for now. We all know the Edmonton Oilers can only carry three goaltenders for so long before someone has to head to Bakersfield. Tonight, the only place Pickard is going is the press box.

And who knows? Maybe next week it’s Ingram sitting. In fact, it probably will be. These are trial periods after all. The Oilers are figuring this out as they go, and nobody — including Knoblauch — seems entirely sure what the long-term plan looks like.

“I think Connor’s played very well,” began the head coach. “I think all but one start has been very solid. Some games have been really good. The last one against Chicago, I thought that was his best. But he’s given us steady goaltending. He’s made some big saves when we needed them, and, yeah, and we’ve been happy with his play.”

That’s about as clear an endorsement as you’re going to get. Ingram has been steady. He’s been reliable. He’s given the Oilers a chance to win every time he’s played. For a backup goalie, that’s exactly what you want.

But the situation is messy. Tristan Jarry is back from injury, which means the Oilers now have three NHL goaltenders on the roster. That’s not sustainable. Someone’s going to have to go down, or someone’s going to have to be moved. The question is who, and when.

Knoblauch admitted they’re still figuring it out.

“Yeah, this is new for us, and we haven’t quite decided exactly what we’re going to do right now,” admitted Knoblauch. “We got to be careful on how much (Jarry) plays. (Tonight) is typically a game that he could have started, but he just came back from injury, (we’re) giving him a little more time between games.

“But we’re not really set on exactly how we’re going to do this with three goalies, if it’s for the rest of the season, the next couple of weeks, a couple months? Whatever. But right now, we’re just kind of playing it day by day.”

Playing it day by day. That’s where things stand. The Oilers are managing Jarry’s return carefully, which makes sense given he’s coming off an injury. They’re riding Ingram while he’s playing well. And Pickard, who’s been with the organization longer and has proven himself, is left waiting for his next chance.

It’s an awkward spot for everyone. Pickard’s a pro—he’ll handle it—but sitting in the press box while two other goalies get starts can’t feel great. Ingram’s playing well, but he knows this might not last. Jarry’s working his way back, trying to show he’s healthy and ready.

The Oilers are in evaluation mode. They’re trying to figure out who gives them the best chance to win, who fits best, and who they can trust when the games get tougher down the stretch. Right now, Ingram’s making a strong case. His performance in Chicago was his best yet, and Knoblauch acknowledged it.

But next week? Could be Pickard’s turn. Or maybe Ingram keeps playing well and Pickard stays in the press box.

The only certainty is uncertainty. The Oilers are playing it day by day, and everyone’s just going to have to deal with that for now.