Facing elimination, Edmonton Oilers’ coach Kris Knoblauch still isn’t sure who his starting goalie will be for Game 6. Or, at least, he isn’t making his intentions known.
Knoblauch didn’t commit to either Stuart Skinner or Calvin Pickard, stating the team will go with whichever goalie gives them the best chance to win. When asked how he’ll make the decision, Knoblauch said, “That’s a conversation with the staff. Obviously, our goaltending coach Dustin Schwartz, but with all the assistants and the general manager to weigh how everyone feels and what’s best moving forward.”
Knoblauch acknowledged that the decision is “not an easy one,” pointing out that both goalies have proven they can win games. He added that whichever goalie is chosen, the team believes they’ll be the one to help secure a win on the road in Game 6.
Skinner started the first four games of the Finals but was pulled in two of them, prompting Knoblauch to start Pickard in Game 5. The decision was made in hopes that Pickard could replicate his heroics from Game 4, where he stopped 22 of 23 shots in the overtime win. However, he struggled in Game 5, allowing four goals on 18 shots for a .778 save percentage. Despite the Oilers making it to Game 6 of the Finals, both goalies have put up less-than-stellar statistics throughout the playoffs, with Skinner posting an .891 save percentage and Pickard owning an .886 mark.
While Knoblauch was non-committal on who he’ll start, the team may have tipped their hand during practice today. As TSN’s Ryan Rishaug points out, Skinner was in what was the starter’s net the last time they practiced in Florida. Rishaug added that forward Kasperi Kapanen and defenseman John Klingberg took part in line drills, signaling their potential return. Kapanen was replaced in the lineup by Viktor Arvidsson in Game 5.
It will be Skinner.
Pickard has shown himself to be excellent in relief but he laid an egg on Saturday night.
EDM would be about to win their second Cup in a row if they could have found above average goaltending these past few years.
About to win 2nd cup? Florida dominating the playoffs for 2nd straight year and McDavid has only one goal in the finals. What are you talking about? Sometimes it’s just nacho year no matter how good you are. Florida is better
I approve of this message.
Waiting on good news from the situation room @potus
UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER! For real, stuff is getting a lil scary.
Holland signing Soupy left their tending poopy!!!!!!
Manufactured drama.
One suspects that “whoever gives them the best chance to win” is Grant Fuhr.
nobody cares, especially the Panthers
Knoblauch is just trying f to decide whether he should strap on the pads himself or ask Grant Fuhr to come out of retirement. either way, they are better off.