Oilers coach hints toward starting goalie decision for Game 4 of playoffs
Photo credit: Edmonton Oilers Raw
The Edmonton Oilers turned to Calvin Pickard for a critical Game 3 victory of Los Angeles, but another goalie change may be coming for Game 4.
Stuart Skinner was pulled from Game 2 after two weak performances, forcing the Oilers to go to Calvin Pickard to stop the damage and find a way to steal a win.
Oilers coach refuses to commit to starting goalie again after Game 3 win
When asked about Pickard's performance tonight, coach Knoblauch praised the efforts of the veteran backup to steal a game, but wouldn't commit to starting him in Game 4 - which may hint that another change is coming.
KNOBLAUCH: Calvin, again has found a way to get another victory. He's been doing that a lot in 2025, just finding ways to win. He made some really key saves in the third period. 2 goals on the - I'm thinking of the powerplay goals, not much chance there. I thought Calvin was very solid.
REPORTER: You're not saying at this point who's going to start?
KNOBLAUCH: No. we're going to evaluate.
REPORTER: You're not saying at this point who's going to start?
KNOBLAUCH: No. we're going to evaluate.
While Knoblauch did praise Pickard's efforts, there may have been a few goals they wanted back. Trevor Moore's one handed breakaway goal was nearly a heart breaker, but the Oilers found a way to rally back.
As the Coach relays that he's undecided in net, it seems more likely that Stuart Skinner may get the next start in Game 4.
If the Oilers want to get Skinner back into this series, giving him a start on home ice may do more for his confidence and comfort level than starting him next on the road in LA. The Kings crowd was heavily jeering Skinner, and it did seem to get to him personally.
Pickard didn't get a shutout and allowed one obviously weak goal, which leaves the door open for another change on Sunday. It may be tough given his shaky playoffs so far, but reintroducing Skinner may be the call the Oilers are leaning towards.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 26 | 277 ANSWERS Oilers coach hints toward starting goalie decision for Game 4 of playoffs Who do you think should start Game 4 for the Oilers? | ||
| Yes | 211 | 76.2 % |
| No | 66 | 23.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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