The Edmonton Oilers’ first-round series against the Los Angeles Kings was far from smooth sailing, particularly in the goaltending department. After Stuart Skinner’s shaky performances in Games 1 and 2, head coach Kris Knoblauch made the bold decision to turn to backup Calvin Pickard for the remainder of the series. The move paid off—Pickard provided stability, and the Oilers closed out the Kings in six games. But as Edmonton prepares to face the Vegas Golden Knights in Round 2, a surprising twist has emerged: Knoblauch is reportedly considering going back to Skinner for Game 1.
This potential decision raises several questions. Is Skinner truly ready to bounce back after his early struggles? Does Knoblauch trust Pickard enough to start him in a high-stakes matchup against Vegas? And what does this say about the Oilers’ long-term goaltending strategy moving deeper into the playoffs?
Stuart Skinner was a Vezina-caliber goaltender for much of the regular season, posting a .905 save percentage and 2.62 goals-against average while carrying a heavy workload with 58 starts. However, the playoffs have been a different story. In Games 1 and 2 against Los Angeles, Skinner looked uncharacteristically vulnerable. He allowed four goals on 33 shots in Game 1, surviving only because Edmonton’s offense exploded for seven goals. Game 2 was even worse—he was pulled after surrendering four goals on just 15 shots in a game the Oilers eventually lost in overtime. That was enough for Knoblauch, who turned to Calvin Pickard, a 32-year-old journeyman with only three career playoff appearances before this series.
Pickard, who had a strong regular season with a .909 save percentage and 2.45 GAA in 23 games, provided exactly what the Oilers needed: calm, consistent goaltending. Over the next four games, he didn’t steal the series, but he didn’t lose it either. He made key saves when called upon, including a 27-save performance in the series-clinching Game 6. His steady presence allowed Edmonton’s high-powered offense to take over without worrying about defensive lapses costing them.
Now, with Vegas looming, Knoblauch appears to be leaning toward going back to Skinner for Game 1. It’s a decision that carries both risk and potential reward. On one hand, Skinner has the higher ceiling—when he’s at his best, he’s a difference-maker capable of stealing games. His regular-season performance proves he can handle the pressure of being a No. 1 goaltender, and the Oilers will need that version of him if they hope to make a deep playoff run. Additionally, the Golden Knights present a different challenge than the Kings. Vegas’ offense is deeper and more dynamic, with stars like Jack Eichel, Mark Stone, and Jonathan Marchessault capable of overwhelming opponents. Skinner’s athleticism and rebound control, when he’s on his game, could be better suited to handle that kind of attack.
On the other hand, reverting to Skinner after Pickard’s success is a gamble. If Skinner struggles early, Knoblauch will face immediate criticism for not sticking with the hot hand. The Golden Knights thrive on creating chaos in front of the net, capitalizing on defensive mistakes, and punishing shaky goaltending. If Skinner isn’t sharp from the opening puck drop, the Oilers could find themselves chasing the game—and Knoblauch may have to make another quick switch.
The decision ultimately comes down to trust and long-term planning. Knoblauch may believe that Skinner, with nearly a week off since his last start, has had time to reset mentally and correct the issues that plagued him early in the Kings series. Starting him in Game 1 gives him a chance to regain confidence early rather than waiting for another crisis moment. But if Skinner falters again, the Oilers may have no choice but to ride Pickard for the rest of the series, turning what was supposed to be a temporary fix into a full-blown goaltending controversy.
Game 1 will set the tone not just for this series, but potentially for Edmonton’s entire playoff run. If Skinner starts and delivers a strong performance, the Oilers’ crease is his again, and the team can move forward with their original plan intact. If he struggles, Knoblauch will have to make another tough decision—one that could define his first playoff run as an NHL head coach.
Prediction: Skinner gets the nod for Game 1, but his leash will be short. If he allows two or more early goals, don’t be surprised if Pickard is back in net by the second period. The Oilers can’t afford to let Vegas gain momentum, and if Skinner isn’t at his best, Knoblauch will have to act fast.
What do you think? Should the Oilers stick with Pickard, or is giving Skinner another shot the right move? Let us know your thoughts. Follow for more NHL playoff coverage as the Oilers take on the Golden Knights in what promises to be a thrilling second-round series.
