Oilers Coach Clarifies Goaltending Approach Ahead of NHL Playoffs…
As the Edmonton Oilers prepare for the playoffs, head coach Kris Knoblauch has made it clear that the team’s goalie situation will remain fluid. With both Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard on the roster, Knoblauch emphasized he’ll stick with the goalie who gives the team the best chance to win, rather than naming a definitive Game 1 starter.
Speaking before Friday’s 4-2 victory over the San Jose Sharks, Knoblauch addressed the ongoing goalie competition but refrained from committing to either player. “We’ll go with whoever is performing best on any given night,” he said.
Skinner, recently back from a head injury, was the backup Friday but is expected to start two of the final three regular-season games. Despite Pickard posting stronger overall stats this season—boasting a .902 save percentage and 2.36 GAA in 30 starts—Skinner leads in advanced metrics like Goals Saved Above Expected. He holds a 2.91 GAA and .894 save percentage over 49 appearances.
The Oilers secured their sixth consecutive playoff spot with the win, but the night raised new concerns after Mattias Ekholm and Zach Hyman exited due to injuries. Already missing Leon Draisaitl, Trent Frederic, Jake Walman, and Evander Kane, Knoblauch didn’t rule out the possibility of further absences. “We’ll have to talk with the doctors,” he said regarding player availability for Game 1.
