Oilers coach Knoblauch confirms a change is coming with Stuart Skinner
Photo credit: Imagn Images
The Edmonton Oilers will be heading into the second round of the playoffs with backup Calvin Pickard as their starter, but the door isn't closed to Stuart Skinner.
Insiders have hinted previously that Stuart Skinner will return later in the Oilers playoffs, after he was pulled because of two subpar starts in Los Angeles.
Oilers coach confirms Stuart Skinner will return to starter's net this playoffs
Speaking to the media today, Coach Knoblauch confirmed that Skinner would in fact get back in the starter's crease at some point in this playoffs.
Our number 1 is the guy that gets the start. That's changing from game to game, we evaluate after every game. I know there will be a time when Stu is back in that net, whether that's Game 2, Game 4, next round, I don't know. I think we've got two goalie that can win us games.
- Coach Knoblauch
- Coach Knoblauch
For the time being, it makes little sense to turn away from an undefeated Calvin Pickard. The Oilers' usual backup hasn't been a world beater, but he's been clutch when it matters, specifically shutting the door in the third period and overtime opportunities.
Knoblauch said he actually hopes that the team won't have to switch off Pickard, because it would only come after a loss in which he didn't play up to standard.
As time wears on, putting Skinner back in the net will become more difficult. If it gets to a point where he's missed weeks and is called upon for a season-saving situation, it would be stressful for the Oilers to say the least.
Perhaps if the Oilers find themselves in an advantageous point in a series and on home ice, Skinner would get back into the net. He will at some point, but he could also be playing his final games as an Oiler.
| POLL | ||
MAI 6 | 817 ANSWERS Oilers coach Knoblauch confirms a change is coming with Stuart Skinner Do you think Skinner will be on the Oilers next season? | ||
| Yes | 194 | 23.7 % |
| No | 623 | 76.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
TRENDING NOW
