The decision to replace goaltender Stuart Skinner with Calvin Pickard after the second period of a 4-3 loss to the Vancouver Canucks has raised concerns about the Edmonton Oilers’ goaltending situation. Skinner, who has been the starter throughout the playoffs, allowed four goals on 15 shots in Game 3, prompting the coaching staff to make a change. This is not the first time Skinner has struggled in the postseason, as last year he had a 3.68 goals-against average and a .883 save percentage in the playoffs. His performance in the current series against the Canucks has left him with a 4.63 goals-against average and a .790 save percentage.
Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch acknowledged the need for better goaltending and defense in order to win hockey games. He mentioned that Skinner’s response to the pressure of the postseason has been subpar, indicating that improvements need to be made. Knoblauch did not commit to a starting goaltender for Game 4, leaving the door open for either Skinner or Pickard to get the nod. Skinner’s inconsistency in the playoffs has put the Oilers in a difficult position as they try to even the series against the Canucks.
Calvin Pickard, who replaced Skinner in Game 3, had a solid regular season with a record of 12-7-1, a 2.45 goals-against average, and a .909 save percentage. While Pickard had not appeared in a postseason game until now, his performance in relief of Skinner showed promise. With Knoblauch considering Pickard as a potential starter for Game 4, the Oilers may benefit from his steady presence between the pipes.
Jack Campbell, who signed a lucrative five-year deal with the Oilers before the 2022-23 season, has struggled to find consistency. After a disappointing start to the current season with a 4.50 goals-against average and a .873 save percentage, Campbell was replaced by Pickard as the backup to Skinner. However, Campbell has shown flashes of brilliance in the past, making 49 saves on 51 shots in relief of Skinner last postseason. It remains to be seen if Campbell will get another opportunity to prove himself in the playoffs.
As the Edmonton Oilers navigate their goaltending challenges in the playoffs, the focus will be on finding a reliable starter to lead them to victory. With Skinner’s struggles and Campbell’s inconsistency, Pickard may emerge as the go-to goaltender for the Oilers in the remaining games against the Vancouver Canucks. Coach Knoblauch will need to make a difficult decision regarding his goaltending situation, as the outcome of the series will hinge on the performance of the netminder between the pipes. Only time will tell if the Oilers can overcome their goaltending issues and advance in the postseason.
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