EdmontonOilers.com is checking in with Oilers players and prospects in our Roster Reboot series as they discuss their summer activities and gear up for the 2019-20 season.
EDMONTON, AB -Mikko Koskinen admitted it was difficult adjusting to the size of a National Hockey League rink when he backstopped the Oilers during the 2018-19 season.
But after 55 appearances last year, the keeper feels much more comfortable heading into the 2019-20 campaign.
"Yeah, I'm sure it's easier now," Koskinen told EdmontonOilers.com via phone from Finland.
"At the start, it took quite a lot of time to get used to the rink and all the angles. Now, it's easier. I know what to expect and what I need to do better this year. It helps a lot to prepare for the upcoming season."
The 31-year-old is back home training in Helsinki as he gears up for his second campaign manning the twine for the Orange & Blue. Koskinen, who went 25-21-6 with a .906 save percentage, 2.93 goals-against average and four shutouts in '18-19, spoke at length with Oilers Goaltending Coach Dustin Schwartz at the end of the season to identify what areas of his game need to be improved to build off his first year back in North America.
"Of course, we talked quite a lot after the season ended about what we need to do better next year," Koskinen said. "I've been working with those things on and off the ice."
ROSTER REBOOT: Mikko Koskinen
The 31-year-old netminder feels much more comfortable on North American ice after gaining 55-games worth of NHL experience in the 2018-19 season
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