Oilers appear to form new plan for goaltenders heading into playoffs

Earlier this week, Coach Knoblauch raised some eyebrows with his refusal to commit to a starting goalie for Game 1, a clear sign that Skinner may not get the assignment.

After Knoblauch's comments, it was clear that the Oilers will be taking a new path with their goaltenders.

According to insider Jason Gregor, that'll come in the form of the Oilers quickly shifting between goalies if one falters in the playoffs.

The Oilers should give Stuart Skinner the first starting opportunity as long as he doesn't implode in the last two games before the playoffs.

However, if Skinner falters at all, the Oilers seem to be shifting their gears to quickly shift toward Calvin Pickard. The veteran backup goalie has proven his worth this season and in the last stretch of games, and has earned the confidence of the team for a playoff start.

Last season, Calvin Pickard stepped in for a few games in the Vancouver Canucks series and Coach Knoblauch said he looked like he had played 100 playoff games.

Stuart Skinner currently has a save percentage of .894 on the season - absolutely brutal numbers. If Pickard quickly proves that he's the more capable goalie, Stuart Skinner could lose his starting crease quickly this spring.

Next season, an actual upgrade in the goal crease via trade or free agency seems like a certainty for the Oilers.