The Edmonton Oilers faced a tough start to the season, suffering a blowout loss in their opening game, which led to goaltender Stuart Skinner being pulled after allowing 5 goals on just 13 shots.
In an effort to shake things up and send a message, Oilers Coach Knoblauch has decided to start backup goalie Calvin Pickard in Game 2, despite Skinner having had ample time to rest and regroup.
Stuart Skinner is clearly the Edmonton Oilers’ starting goalie, having led the team to a Stanley Cup Final appearance last season. However, he has had moments where his performance dips, affecting the team’s confidence in him. Last year, Skinner struggled at the beginning of the season and, during the playoffs, Coach Knoblauch had to rely on Calvin Pickard to secure some solid starts.
With a couple of days off and facing a rebuilding team like the Chicago Blackhawks, it seemed like a perfect opportunity for Skinner to bounce back and gain some confidence with a win. However, Knoblauch has opted to start Pickard instead.
After practice, Knoblauch emphasized that this decision is merely a scheduled start for Pickard and not a reaction to Game 1’s outcome. While that may be the case, it still feels like an unexpected choice given Skinner’s circumstances.
After Game 1, Skinner acknowledged his role in the loss, mentioning that the pace of the game felt too fast for him. That’s not an ideal statement to hear from a starting goalie. The Oilers may have had a subpar training camp, suggesting that Skinner could need more time to find his rhythm.
That said, the Oilers should be in good hands with Calvin Pickard starting against the Chicago Blackhawks. Pickard posted a better save percentage than Skinner last season, and with the Blackhawks in a rebuilding phase and playing on the second night of a back-to-back, the Oilers are well-positioned to secure their first win. However, if they struggle again tonight, it could raise legitimate concerns about the team’s readiness for the regular season.
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