Oilers coach raises eyebrows with goalie decision for Game 1 of Playoffs
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The Edmonton Oilers goaltending has been a weak point on the roster for the entire season, and now entering the playoffs, coach Knoblauch is not committing to starting Stuart Skinner.
Calvin Pickard has been playing well since Skinner went down with injury, leading some to wonder if he has earned a Game 1 start - and now Knoblauch seems to think the same.
Oilers coach Knoblauch raises eyebrows by not committing to Stuart Skinner in Game 1 of playoffs
Speaking to reporters after practice today, Coach Knoblauch firmly said that the Oilers would not be committing to Skinner, but will be playing the best goalie.
REPORTER: If [Skinner] comes in and looks to be good, he would be your guy going into the playoffs?
KNOBLAUCH: We are going to play the goalie that's playing the best and giving us the best opportunity to win that night.
KNOBLAUCH: We are going to play the goalie that's playing the best and giving us the best opportunity to win that night.
That's a significant shot toward Skinner, who will have to prove in the final games of the season that he deserves the start in Game 1.
Coach Knoblauch further confirmed that Skinner will get two starts in the final four games - where the Oilers will make their crucial decision for the Game 1 start. If Skinner falters, Pickard could get Game 1.
On the surface, Pickard has arguably been the better goaltender for the Oilers this season, with a save percentage 7 points higher in 34 games.
However, Pickard has seen far easier matchups this season, and Stuart Skinner still ranks above him in GSAx.
As long as Skinner doesn't cost the Oilers the game in the last 2 contests he starts, he should retain his duty as starting goalie for the playoffs. If Skinner struggles though, even in the playoffs, the Oilers seem ready to make the change to Pickard quickly.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 11 | 634 ANSWERS Oilers coach raises eyebrows with goalie decision for Game 1 of Playoffs Which goalie do you think the Oilers should start in round 1 of the playoffs? | ||
| Stuart Skinner | 188 | 29.7 % |
| Calvin Pickard | 446 | 70.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
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