Oilers Switch Goalies as Pickard Injured for Game 3

EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) — The Edmonton Oilers will start Stuart Skinner in goal for Game 3 of their second-round playoff series against the Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday night. This change comes after Calvin Pickard was deemed day-to-day due to a lower-body injury.

Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch announced the switch before the game, stating that Pickard, who had performed well, was unable to play following Game 2’s overtime win against Vegas. Despite making 28 saves in that game, Pickard appeared uncomfortable and was seen shaking out his left leg after a hit from Golden Knights forward Tomas Hertl.

Skinner’s last playoff appearance was on April 23, where he was pulled during the second round against the Los Angeles Kings after allowing five goals. In this postseason, he is 0-2 with a 6.11 goals-against average. Nonetheless, he earned the starting goalie spot at the beginning of the playoffs and previously led the Oilers to the Stanley Cup Final last year.

“It’s not the situation we want to be in, but that’s the playoffs,” Skinner said after the morning skate. “I’m excited to get back into the net. I’ve had time to work on some things and I’m ready to go.”

Knoblauch praised Skinner’s readiness, recalling how well he performed last year after a similar break. “We’re expecting him to come in and deliver what he’s done before,” he said.

The Oilers currently lead the series 2-0 and hope to maintain that advantage despite the change in net. Meanwhile, the Golden Knights face their own injury concerns, as coach Bruce Cassidy announced defenseman Brayden McNabb and forward Brandon Saad are out of the lineup.

As the series continues in Rogers Place, fans are eager to see how this goalie switch will affect the match. Skinner emphasized that he is ready to give his team the opportunity to win. “I’ve been in this spot before, and I’m just going to play my game,” he said.