Oilers coach takes a subtle shot at Stuart Skinner after critical Game 4 decision

Calvin Pickard was in the starter's crease at practice, as the Oilers continued to use their lineup from Game 3.

Knoblauch explained that Calvin Pickard simply seems to make the extra save that's needed to win the game, which has led to his incredible record of 22-10-1 this season.

While Pickard isn't a world beating goalie either, he does seem to be able to make the critical situational saves at a higher rate than Skinner.

In Game 1 of the series against the Los Angeles Kings, the Oilers mounted a wild comeback to erase a 4 goal deficit, only for Skinner to allow a heartbreaker in the final minute on a fluttering puck. For whatever reason, Skinner has consistently failed to make that one extra save in a one goal game.

In some sense, the Oilers may actually play better in front of Pickard. The degree of confidence a team has in their goaltending affects their decisions in-game, and if they're more confident in Pickard, it could produce better results.

The fact that they're turning away from Skinner in a crucial playoff game is a distinct sign that his tenure as the Oilers starting goaltender is over. Hopefully Pickard can carry the water for now, and Skinner can get back in for a long playoff run - but the goalies next year will be different.