Oilers answer starting goalie for round 2 after surprising development at practice

Making a switch to start the second round would be a shocking development after Pickard went 4-0 against LA, and Skinner allowed the Kings crowd to get to him.

With Pickard undefeated and turning in quality starts, Oilers reporters were very surprised to see Skinner in the crease at practice today.

After practice, Coach Knoblauch clarified not to read too much into the starter's crease, and that the Oilers will announce their decision before Game 1. However, Oilers insiders provided even more insight.

Knoblauch may just be playing mind games than anything, because Calvin Pickard is clearly the most likely starter for Game 1 in Vegas.

Oilers insider Bob Stauffer listed Pickard as the Game 1 starter despite the shake up on the actual ice, and as the team's most plugged-in insider, that can't be by accident.

On the other hand, Stuart Skinner will earn some more starts if the Oilers go on a long playoff run. They should think about some plan to re-introduce him, most likely with a start on home ice, but only if Pickard falters.

It could be possible the Oilers see Game 1 as the prime opportunity to play Skinner in the lowest-stakes game of the series, but even that can be a risk.

Regardless of their decision in Game 1, the Oilers will have a tough call to make on their goaltending tandem for next season to truly upgrade at the position.