The Edmonton Oilers are making a big change ahead of their game 4 matchup with the Vancouver Canucks, likely bringing Calvin Pickard in for his first career playoff start.
After giving up four goals on 15 shots, Skinner has an .877 save percentage in eight post-season starts. He let in 2.57 goals above expected in the Oilers’ 4-3 loss to the Vancouver Canucks, bringing his total in these playoffs to 8.46 (1.09 extra goals allowed per 60 minutes). Skinner has seen 16.9 scoring chances per 60 in the playoffs — the fewest among 20 goaltenders who have played at least 100 minutes.
Skinners postseason struggles date back to last year, when he got pulled three times in their 6 game series loss to the Vegas Golden Knights, he spoke with media following the game 3 loss, apologizing for not being available right after the game and mentioned he needs to find his mental groove again.
As the series progresses, it’s becoming more evident the Oilers have been relying on their superstars more than usual under the Kris Knoblauch system, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl both averaged 29 minutes of ice time in game 3.
Head coach Kris Knoblauch said the Oilers’ lineup contains other forwards who’ve proven they can score with guys like Evander Kane and Warren Foegele, who’ve yet to find their scoring touch this series. Knoblauch mentioned he wants his team to be smart with their physicality for Game 4.
Puck drop for the very crucial Game 4 in Edmonton is set for 7:30pm with a possible do or die Game 5 in Vancouver.
