Stuart Skinner losing grip on role as Oilers starting goalie after Game 1 of playoffs
Photo credit: Imagn Images
Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner still may get the start in net for Game 2 of the playoffs, but he's clearly losing his grip on the role of the starting goalie for the future of the team.
The Oilers had already hinted that they would have Skinner on a short least this playoffs, and after a shaky start in Game 1, Coach Knoblauch couldn't commit to making his starter yesterday.
Oilers analyst believes Stuart Skinner could be losing grip on starter role in Edmonton
According to a new report from Daniel Nugent-Bowman of the Athletic, Skinner's poor season and a poor playoff may be enough for the team to quickly switch to Calvin Pickard - but not quite yet.
It was clear Skinner was always on a short leash entering the postseason...
We're getting close to Pickard time again, but we're not there yet. Skinner deserves more leeway.
- Daniel Nugent-Bowman
We're getting close to Pickard time again, but we're not there yet. Skinner deserves more leeway.
- Daniel Nugent-Bowman
Knoblauch was fully blunt in his assessment that Calvin Pickard could possibly give the Oilers a better or equal chance to win as the starter at times. If Skinner falters again early on in tonight's game, being pulled is a distinct option.
Calvin Pickard's come in and played a lot of games and won a lot. We have to balance on where we are in the series, when we could have a change, when the goalie hasn't played very well. There are lots of things to consider.
- Coach Knoblauch
- Coach Knoblauch
Oilers will switch to Calvin Pickard quickly if Skinner struggles in Game 2
The fact that there's this much doubt and considerations to play the backup after 1 playoff game is a failure on the Oilers for not addressing their biggest roster weakness in goaltending.
In Game 1 against the Los Angeles Kings, Skinner gave up a few weak goals including a heartbreaker in the final minute, all while getting heavily jeered by the Kings fans.
Hopefully Skinner can find his game again, because the Oilers are going to need him to go on another long playoff run. Management should've been the ones to address this problem months ago.
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AVRIL 23 | 795 ANSWERS Stuart Skinner losing grip on role as Oilers starting goalie after Game 1 of playoffs Do you think the Oilers should've traded for a goalie this year? | ||
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