Oilers coach addresses two benchings in Game 4, next starting goalie decision
Photo credit: Edmonton Oilers Raw
The Edmonton Oilers nearly played two games last night - the first half where they were awful, and then another second half comeback where they owned the ice.
Calvin Pickard was brought in for Stuart Skinner, and Oilers coach Knoblauch began stapling Evander Kane and Troy Stecher to the bench. Both moves worked, and the Oilers mounted the incredible comeback.
Oilers coach addresses benching of Troy Stecher and Evander Kane, starting goalie for Game 5
Speaking to the media afterward, Knoblauch stuck by the benchinga as necessary coaching decisions, and didn't commit to a starting goalie.
Troy Stecher was entering the lineup for the first time of the Stanley Cup Final, coming in to replace the struggling John Klingberg. Stecher played great in earlier playoff rounds, and had some success with Darnell Nurse who was also needing help against Florida. Unfortunately, it didn't last past the first period.
Stecher only played 4:18 of ice time for the entire game - clearly not a sign the coaches were confident in his play. Klingberg played significantly more than that, so there could be a chance the Oilers move back to Klingberg.
Evander Kane did get back on the ice after his benching that came in the second period, after he took yet another high sticking penalty in the first.
After 140 total penalty minutes in Game 3, the Oilers vowed to be more disciplined next time out. Kane was the first to start 3 penalties in the first period again, and didn't bring his best early on. It was good to see Coach Knoblauch hold his players accountable in nearly a must-win game.
Calvin Pickard should start against Florida Panthers in Game 5
Stuart Skinner was pulled again after the first period, and it wasn't even close to his worst performance. However, Pickard came in the net and once again shut the door to lead Edmonton to victory.
This may have been the game Skinner deserved to get pulled the least, but the Oilers have to consider starting Pickard now in Game 5. He's not got a 7-0 record, a better save percentage, and the team just seems to play better in front of him.
If Pickard stumbles then, they have the option to turn back to Skinner. But for now, and for the cumulation of the playoffs, Pickard has been the better goalie and deserves to start.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 13 | 761 ANSWERS Oilers coach addresses two benchings in Game 4, next starting goalie decision Who do you think should start in goal for Game 5? | ||
| Stuart Skinner | 125 | 16.4 % |
| Calvin Pickard | 636 | 83.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
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