In his first two games as an Edmonton Oilers goalie, Cam Talbot was outstanding. In his first five games, he had a .920 save percentage (127/138) but since that time he is .867 (156/180). These are small samples and a two-week run of ugly doesn’t make a season. The key for Talbot? Make an impression when the next opportunity arrives. Next stop: Detroit.

Talbot hasn’t looked like the same player since the early days and coach Todd McLellan eventually moved Anders Nilsson to the starter’s role. Although Nilsson has performed well (Oilers fans well remember the adventures of Jason LaBarbera and Viktor Fasth in recent fall showings) but Edmonton spent dearly to acquire Talbot and he may well be the long-term answer (despite appearances). Only one way to find out: Play the man.

These are important games for Talbot because Peter Chiarelli is unlikely to go past the trade deadline without some idea about how the former Ranger fits into the future—or doesn’t fit into the future in Edmonton. I’m pretty certain the following view, from Lyle Richardson of Spector’s Hockey, reflects what much of the hockey world thinks at this time:

A lot of comments here at ON and on my blog talk about a veteran goaltender who can push Talbot or Nilsson or even Laurent Brossoit. I’m of a mind that an inexpensive option is the better plan, and that spending big money on a Jonas Hiller is going to restrict the number of difference makers on the blue and at forward.

Edmonton has been looking for a goalie they could count on since Craig MacTavish said ‘if you have to ask the question’ and that’s a rather long time. I’m betting on Cam Talbot, he could solve a lot of problems by going on a good run in the net. How about you?