Oilers Stand by Goaltender Stuart Skinner for Stanley Cup Final Game 4

Despite a challenging performance in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final, allowing five goals on 23 shots before being pulled, Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner will start Game 4. Head coach Kris Knoblauch confirmed this decision, emphasizing that sticking with Skinner is the correct approach even after the team`s 6-1 loss to the Florida Panthers.

Skinner watched the remainder of the Game 3 blowout from the bench after Florida defenseman Aaron Ekblad scored on the power play. While some goals in that onslaught were not entirely Skinner`s responsibility, his statistics over the last four outings show an .860 save percentage and 2.86 goals allowed above average, according to Natural Stat Trick.

This recent performance led to questions about the Game 4 starter, but Knoblauch ultimately chose Skinner over backup Calvin Pickard. Although it might be tempting to switch goalies when facing a 2-1 series deficit, the coach believes Skinner has earned another opportunity.

Throughout these playoffs, Skinner has generally performed better than Pickard, despite some significant dips in form. A statistical comparison:

Neither goalie`s playoff statistics are elite, but Skinner holds a slight advantage overall. It`s noteworthy that he has managed to improve his numbers after a very difficult start to the postseason.

Skinner`s recent strong play, particularly after Calvin Pickard`s injury earlier in the playoffs, solidified his position. Over a crucial seven-game stretch from Game 4 of the second round through the Western Conference Final against the Dallas Stars, Skinner was exceptional. He posted an impressive .944 save percentage, saved 6.69 goals above average, and recorded a 6-1 record. His performance was vital in the Oilers eliminating strong Western Conference opponents.

Opting for Pickard isn`t without risk either. At 33, he has limited playoff experience (eight games) and has moved between teams throughout his career, indicating potential consistency issues. Betting on him in a pivotal, potentially must-win Game 4 is a significant gamble.

Sticking with Skinner allows coach Knoblauch flexibility. If Skinner struggles early in Game 4, he can be replaced by Pickard. The reverse situation would be more challenging; Skinner coming in cold under immense pressure after the coach showed a lack of initial confidence would be difficult. The Game 3 loss was a team-wide failure, not solely on the goaltender. Giving Skinner a chance to bounce back, as he has done successfully earlier in this playoff run, is the logical decision for the Oilers.