Mikko Koskinen made 40 saves for his first career NHL shutout and Drake Caggiula scored a pair of goals as the Edmonton Oilers pulled out a 4-0 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday. Koskinen knew it could be his last chance at making a name in the NHL. So far his return has been an impressive one.
Koskinen became the first goalie in club history to post a shutout in his home debut.
The backup goalie position has been rough for the Edmonton Oilers for a number of years now. Koskinen’s record improves to 2-0-0 with a 1.51 GAA and a .955 save percentage. It is an extremely small sample size, but I know Edmonton fans are hoping they finally have an answer.
Koskinen said he always wanted to come back to the NHL and prove himself.
“It was always on my mind,” said the six-foot-seven netminder. “I had opportunities, like, three, four years ago, but I always decided to stay. I thought I could still get better there (in St. Petersburg), and my set up there was great.
“But I always had it in my sight, to come back and try to be a goalie here.”
“It was the last chance. I couldn’t turn it down anymore. Now, I felt it was the right time to come over.”
It is good that this Edmonton team can be confident and give workhorse, Cam Talbot a night off once and awhile.
He was outstanding,” said Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl. “That is what good goalies do. He hasn’t played much, but he was able to stay confident. It’s pretty impressive to see him come out with two performances like that.”
Outstanding showing indeed. Mr. Koskinen !
The post Koskinen records first ever NHL shutout appeared first on HockeyFanLand.
