Edmonton Oilers confirm goalie change before facing Anaheim Ducks
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The Edmonton Oilers are taking on the Anaheim Ducks in the first home game since the 4 Nations Faceoff today, and are making the gutsy decision to go back to Calvin Pickard as their starting goalie.
Stuart Skinner has been struggling lately, and Calvin Pickard was brilliant in their last game against Carolina. Still, there is concern that starting Pickard could rub Skinner the wrong way.
Edmonton Oilers announce Calvin Pickard as starting goalie, lineup before facing Anaheim Ducks
It's a significant decision to move away from Stuart Skinner in the starting goalie rotation, especially in the week of the trade deadline when calls for an upgrade in the crease are at an all time high.
Calvin Pickard has only ever started once every 2-3 games this season, never getting consecutive starts.
This is clearly the Coach giving Skinner an opportunity to reset, but it should be a concerning sight for Oilers management - this could happen in the playoffs again.
Edmonton Oilers announce lineup, healthy scratches at practice
At morning skate today, Coach Knoblauch confirmed several lineup notes after multiple players were absent from practice yesterday.
Matthew Savoie is expected to draw back into the lineup on the second line, and Jeff Skinner will be scratched to make room for him. Savoie has performed well on the second line, and deserves a good look against a rebuilding team.
All the absent players from yesterday are expected to play, including Mattias Ekholm, Viktor Arvidsson, and Brett Kulak. Cam Dineen, the Oilers emergency recall yesterday, was just for insurance.
Oilers fans will be watching Pickard's performance closely tonight, but more looking forward to seeing how Skinner will respond the next time he gets into the net.
It's critical the Oilers' goaltending results improve, and it seems like Skinner is their guy. Hopefully, this disruption in the starting routine can give him an opportunity to reset, and be better next time out.
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