NHL1 hour ago1 minute read

Edmonton Makes History by Dressing Emergency Backup Brett Epp

The Edmonton Oilers made NHL history on Thursday by dressing Brett Epp as a full time emergency backup goalie against Anaheim.

The EagleEyeOdds deskWritten from the match data, checked against our model before it goes out

Edmonton makes history with Epp

The Edmonton Oilers made league history on Thursday night in their game against Anaheim. Edmonton became the first NHL team to dress a full time emergency backup goalie for a game.

Brett Epp dressed in uniform for the Oilers during the matchup. Fourth string goaltender Matt Tomkins got the start in net for Edmonton.

Goalies out with illness and injuries

Edmonton had to rely on Matt Tomkins and Brett Epp because three of their other goaltenders were unable to play. Goaltender Tristan Jarry missed the game due to an illness.

Meanwhile, Devon Levi and Frederik Andersen were both unavailable because of injuries. With multiple netminders out of action, Edmonton had to activate their emergency option.

Understanding the new roster rules

This is the very first season that NHL teams are required to keep emergency backup goaltenders on their official rosters. These goalies travel directly with the team and wear jersey number 00.

The league has specific rules for who can serve in this role. An emergency backup goalie cannot have previously played in the NHL under a standard contract. They must also have 80 games or less of total professional experience. Additionally, they cannot have suited up professionally over the past three preceding campaigns.

Before this current season, home teams were tasked with providing an emergency backup goaltender in the event that either side suffered an in game goaltending injury or illness. Now, teams carry their own assigned backup when travelling.

What it means for the next game

Vancouver Canucks at Edmonton Oilers (NHL, Sun, 08 Nov): Edmonton Oilers win 76%, Vancouver Canucks win 24%; projected score Edmonton Oilers 4, Vancouver Canucks 3. Our safest pick: Under 9 goals.

New York Rangers at Edmonton Oilers (NHL, Tue, 10 Nov): Edmonton Oilers win 52%, New York Rangers win 48%; projected score Edmonton Oilers 4, New York Rangers 3. Our safest pick: Over 5 goals.