Oilers Make Surprising Starting Goalie Decision Against Top NHL Team in Tonight's Game
Photo credit: USA Today Sports
The Edmonton Oilers are taking on the league-leading Minnesota Wild tonight, but will be turning to backup goalie Calvin Pickard in goal tonight.
Stuart Skinner has begun to turn around his level of play recently, with a save percentage over .940 in his last 5 games.
However, Coach Knoblauch announced Pickard as the starting goalie against the NHL's top team tonight - a major test for the veteran backup.
Perhaps the Oilers want to see how Pickard will fare against an elite team like the Minnesota Wild, and if he can continue to be a reliable stand-in for Skinner at any time, just like he was in the playoffs last year.
Edmonton Oilers Announce Calvin Pickard as Starting Goalie, Lineup against Minnesota Wild
The Oilers are facing a gauntlet of tough teams in their schedule right now, and the Minnesota Wild is the best of the bunch with an incredible 19-5-4 record.
Knoblauch will deploy the same winning lineup from the Oilers last game in front of Pickard. The Oilers second and third lines are beginning to find a consistent rhythm, and will be critical in tonight's game.
The Minnesota Wild can roll four lines that play relentlessly on the forecheck, and are a collective defensive stalwart - while backstopped by the young elite goalie Filip Gustavsson.
The Oilers will need to bring their best, and every line will be tested for a win tonight. Connor McDavid was recently asked about his thoughts on facing the NHL's top teams, and he was very confident in the Oilers abilities.
Unfortunately, the Oilers have a brutal record recently playing in Minnesota. The last time the Oilers won on the road against the Wild, Ty Rattie scored the winner.
Puck drop tonight in Minnesota is a little early at 6:30MT. It should be a fantastic game with two of the NHL's most talented teams.
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