Oilers coach explains decision to start Pickard instead of Skinner against Canucks

After Stuart Skinner struggled in a 4-3 collapse loss to the Flames in Game 1, many saw this starting decision as a message to Skinner that he needs to find his game fast.

According to Knoblauch, the Oilers wanted Pickard to start tonight just to stay fresh - apparently not having anything to do with Skinner's performance in Game 1.

Although it's plausible the Oilers would want to get Pickard into a game, it still marks the departure from their previous approach with a poor game from Skinner - to play him again looking for a bounce back.

In Game 2 of the regular season, on Saturday night against the rival Canucks, it's still surprising to see the Oilers instead prioritize keeping Pickard fresh over Skinner being in the net.

Oilers insiders have noted that Skinner is officially running out of time to prove that he can backstop the team through another playoff run. TSN Insider Ryan Rishaug reported that Skinner will likely be traded if he doesn't improve this year.

There's some real pressure on Calvin Pickard now to have a solid game against the Canucks, or worries for Oilers goaltending could hit mid-season form quickly.