NHL legend Henrik Lundqvist tells the truth on Oilers goalies in Cup Final, expert agrees
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NHL legend Henrik Lundqvist and goalie expert Steve Valiquette both agree the Oilers should turn to Calvin Pickard in Game 4 against the Florida Panthers.
The Oilers goaltending has been their biggest relative weakness all season, and in the Stanley Cup Final with games decided by the thinnest margins, Sergei Bobrovsky has outclassed Stuart Skinner.
Oilers may turn to Calvin Pickard in Game 4 after Skinner struggles again
Legendary NHL goalie Henrik Lundqvist was hesitant to criticize Skinner, but did suggest the Oilers should turn to Pickard in Game 4. Lundqvist cited the facts that Pickard is undefeated, but also the that Oilers need much better against a star goalie in Bobrovsky.
Pickard hasn't lost yet in the playoffs. 6-0. There wasn't any bad goals, but to win games right now - they need not just good goaltending, they need great goaltending. They're getting amazing goaltending on the other side, so they're going to have to dig deep.
- Henrik Lundqvist
- Henrik Lundqvist
Lundqvist raises a great point that when the Oilers are up against an equally deep team, the effect of an elite goalie against Stuart Skinner can be difficult to overcome. Even if the last two losses weren't on him, the Oilers need better goaltending to keep games close.
Goalie analyst Steve Valiquette faults Skinner on multiple goals against, says Pickard should start
Speaking on a recent edition of the Real Kyper and Bourne Show, NHL goalie analyst Steve Valiquette from Clear Sight Analytics pointed to Bennett's breakaway goal and Verhaege's goal as two that Skinner should've had. The first goal against wasn't pretty either.
When Bennett scores that one, I'm looking to myself and I'm like, 'Jeez, that looks like he could have done anything and scored.' You know, like, it looked, he looked relatively easy to beat You need momentum changing saves and you're not getting breakaway saves.
He's got to back up in his crease a little bit. He's out too far for his lack of mobility. His depth is off and his squareness is off. And guys, you just can't make a save that way.
I think he needs is a reset. We've seen him reset well. A reset would mean miss a game If it doesn't work out, you're still going back to Edmonton, you can steal one there.
- Steve Valiquette
He's got to back up in his crease a little bit. He's out too far for his lack of mobility. His depth is off and his squareness is off. And guys, you just can't make a save that way.
I think he needs is a reset. We've seen him reset well. A reset would mean miss a game If it doesn't work out, you're still going back to Edmonton, you can steal one there.
- Steve Valiquette
With some real technical flaws raised in Skinner's game, the reset option with another chance waiting in Edmonton may be the best path forward for the Oilers. If they start Skinner in Game 4 and he falters again quickly, it could be too hard to climb out of.
The Oilers don't have a goalie to match Bobrovsky, but as Lundqvist said, they need to dig deep to at least close the gap. Maybe, that's with Pickard.
We've seen the Oilers rally around Pickard and play amazing with him in net. Now may be the time to switch it up in the crease for an equally competent goalie, and give the team a shot in the arm for a critical game.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 11 | 766 ANSWERS NHL legend Henrik Lundqvist tells the truth on Oilers goalies in Cup Final, expert agrees Who do you think will be the Oilers starting goalie in Game 4? | ||
| Stuart Skinner | 445 | 58.1 % |
| Calvin Pickard | 321 | 41.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
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