Oilers coach has shaky statement on starting goalie Stuart Skinner, updates 2 injuries
Photo credit: Imagn Images
After another rocky start for Stuart Skinner in Game 1, Oilers Coach Kris Knoblauch would not commit to naming his starting goalie for Game 2 today.
Stuart Skinner has struggled this season, posting below average numbers across the board and especially against top 10 teams. It's very possible the team switches to Calvin Pickard.
Oilers coach Knoblauch refuses to commit to starting goalie for Game 2
According to Oilers broadcaster Jack Michaels, Coach Knoblauch said the team is undecided on their starter for Game 2.
It's obviously not a positive sign for a Cup Contending team to doubt their goaltending so seriously after 1 playoff game, but Stuart Skinner let the Oilers down in a big way last night.
In a game where the Oilers stormed back from a four goal deficit, and scored 5 goals against one of the top defensive teams in the league, it's tough to allow 6 goals against including a heartbreaker in the last minute.
Some of the goals Skinner allowed simply have to be saves. Quinton Byfield's deflection goal from behind the goal line, the 5th goal on the powerplay off a point shot. On the final fluttering puck goal, Skinner needs to find a way to make a save.
The Oilers may give their starter one more chance to defend the net, but if there's even another smidge of doubt - he could get pulled early.
Oilers also provide injury updates on Evander Kane and John Klingberg
In addition, Coach Knoblauch revealed that Evander Kane and John Klingberg may be options for Game 2. Klingberg seems most likely to play, replacing Josh Brown after his harsh benching.
John Klingberg may not play much more than Josh Brown did, but at the very least, will be a different look and a more trusted veteran option. If Evander Kane can return, the Oilers forward group will look much deeper.
The Oilers showed they can still beat the Kings highly praised defence. If they can clean up their play, and get a few more saves, they'll come back to win this playoff series.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 22 | 1100 ANSWERS Oilers coach has shaky statement on starting goalie Stuart Skinner, updates 2 injuries Do you think the Oilers should start Stuart Skinner or Calvin Pickard in Game 2? | ||
| Skinner | 302 | 27.5 % |
| Pickard | 798 | 72.5 % |
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