For all of the talk about the Edmonton Oilers' youth movement, there is a reason why they have drafted first overall for the last three years. Yes, Jordan Eberle is a superstar in the making, as are Taylor Hall and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and yes, Nail Yakupov adds an exciting element to the Oilers. Defense is going to get better, with Justin Schultz, David Musil, and Oscar Klefbom all waiting for their chance. However, there is one gaping hole that will likely keep the Oilers from reaching their full potential: in goal. Currently, that space is occupied by a tandem of Nikolai Khabibulin and Devan Dubnyk. Read correctly, it means a goaltender that has seen better days and a not-quite-ready for primetime goaltender are the Oilers' options right now. Having signed a two-year extension after posting career highs in wins (20) and GAA (2.67), it is time for the former first round pick in 2004 to take control of the starting job. As long as Cory Schneider, another first round pick in 2004, plays as well as he has in limited action (he eventually took control of the starting job last year), Dubnyk will be facing some immense pressure, and given that the Oilers are not lacking for offense and need their defense to catch up, it would be great if Dubnyk can provide the solution in goal while the other young talent develops to their full potential. After all, someone has to stop the other team from scoring, and playing 6-5 games constantly is not good for a youthful team like the Oilers.
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