Big decision looms for Edmonton Oilers staring goalie in Western Conference Finals
Photo credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
The Edmonton Oilers are celebrating their second-round victory against the Vegas Golden Knights and will now have a decision to make when it comes to whom and the net going into the Western Conference Finals.
This decision Will become more apparent as Oilers backup goaltender Calvin Pickard continues to nurse an injury and is still listed as day-to-day but will likely be ready to go in Round 3.
Oilers Stuart Skinner has the net for the time being
Many fans will state that the net belongs to Stuart Skinner as he had given the Oilers a great performance in back-to-back games with two shutouts to beat the Golden Knights which is valid and likely the case.
But fans cannot forget that Stuart Skinner's performance during this season has been inconsistent especially early on in these playoffs where he was forced to sit numerous games even though he was anointed as the number one goaltender for the team.
Depending on who the Oilers will face whether it's the Dallas Stars or the Winnipeg Jets, the organization will likely have to go with the hot hand as both goaltenders can collapse at anytime as Pickard also has had trouble in his career holding a job with his inconsistent play.
Oilers will take it game by game and see who will outplay the opponent
It's safe to say that the Oilers will also play that physical style that they have found this year in the playoffs after receiving several reinforcements including Evander Kane and former Bruins forward Trent Frederic.
Both players have shown what they are valued for and how they have taken a step up to give the Oilers a chance to win every night.
These players along with the forwards another defenseman will need to help protect the net because Skinner and Pickard could falter at any moment or be brilliant especially Skinner at key moments during any series.
It will be a fascinating Western Conference finals especially if the stars can dispense of The Jets and face a rematch against the Oilers 2 years in a row with a team that's even more stacked with quality and high end talent.
The team will need to stick to their game plan and push as hard as they can as the Stanley Cup finals is just on the horizon.
| POLL | ||
MAI 16 | 679 ANSWERS Big decision looms for Edmonton Oilers staring goalie in Western Conference Finals Who would you put in the net for the Oilers in the Western Conference Finals | ||
| Stuart Skinner | 392 | 57.7 % |
| Calvin Pickard | 84 | 12.4 % |
| Whoever has the hot hand | 203 | 29.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
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