The Oilers had no right being in last night’s game, never mind stealing a point by taking the match into extra time. Hopelessly outshot and hilariously overmatched, the only thing standing between the Kings and the back of the net was AHL goaltender and Dallas Star cast-off Richard Bachman. Sure, there were other Oilers on the ice, but they might as well had not been there for all the good they did.
Bachman stood tall in the first period when the Oilers were doubled in the shot department. He allowed just one in the second period despite back to back penalties against and another near doubling of shots against. But, it was the 3rd period and beyond where Bachman really earned his hero status on the night. With the game tied in the 3rd the Oilers managed just 6 shots to an astonishing 23 by the Kings of Los Angeles.
Ultimately the only reason the team took a point was because of the heroics of their 3rd string goalie. Which begs the question, does Bachman merit another start and a chance to be the club’s backup keeper? I think we can all agree that the answer here is a resounding “Yes!”
I do not believe that Bachman has won the Bachup (see what I did there?) position yet despite the fact that he put up the most impressive game by ANY goaltender in the organization last night. However, if the Barons top netminder can play well in one more game then I think it’s time to move LaBarbera down to OKC. The Oilers gave this kid a chance to play and I think he turned it into a chance to stay.
Eakins has no allegiances to these goaltenders; they are all new to him. MacTavish has no allegiance to these goaltenders; he publicly tried and failed to upgrade them at the Draft and in the summer. If Richard Bachman can continue to prove that he gives the team a better chance to win than LaBarbera then it’s incumbent on the Oilers to play him. LaBackup has a 3.65 GAA and a .857 SV% after 4 starts. The Oilers are dropping points for no other reason than goaltending. Now is not the time to stick with the Status Quo.
Edmonton shouldn’t have to be spending assets in prospects, picks, or players on goaltending if they have any other options. Bachman represents their only other option. They need to know if he is able to stand in there and stop pucks before they do something drastic to get a player who can. After Bachman there isn’t anyone else who is ready for NHL duty. Roy isn’t there yet and Bunz is a train wreck in the ECHL.
So, Bachman was given a tiny window of opportunity and found a way to make the most of it. As far as I’m concerned, based both on merit and the fact that the team needs to know what they have in him, the Oilers need to play him on Tuesday against the Leafs. Dubnyk can continue to nurse that sore ankle until we know the name of his backup.
Edmonton Oilers Blogger • 
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