EDMONTON, AB - Mikko Koskinen's 2018-19 NHL season started and ended in Calgary, and the hulking Finn believes the goalie he is at the end of it is a much improved, smarter netminder.
After conceding the first goal just 23 seconds into his Oilers pre-season debut on September 17 at the Scotiabank Saddledome, the 6-foot-7 crease protector closed out the season on a high note 202 days later by making 30 saves on 31 shots in a 3-1 win over the Flames on Saturday's season finale.
"I think I'm a better goalie now," Koskinen said during his exit interview with the media in the Oilers Hall of Fame room on Sunday. "I made some improvements, and there's still a lot to improve."
In between those bookends, Koskinen was given a new three-year deal and took the reigns as the Oilers starter, finishing the year with a 25-21-6 record, a 2.96 goals-against average, a .906 save percentage, and manning the net for 25 of the club's final 27 games.
But for such a big guy in goal, Koskinen is preaching the little things heading into this offseason after having the majority of work in goal fall his direction.
BLOG: Koskinen to prioritize improving the finer details
"It's easier knowing you're going to play every game, but you have to find a rhythm between when you practice and when you play," Koskinen said in his exit interview on Sunday.
