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Edmonton Oilers Make Crucial Decision on Starting Goalie for Tonight's Game
The Edmonton Oilers have decided to go with Calvin Pickard for tonight's game against the Vancouver Canucks, after Stuart Skinner made a costly error last game.
The Edmonton Oilers are making a change in goal as they get set to take on the Vancouver Canucks in their second game of the young NHL season.
Following a tough loss in a shootout to the Calgary Flames on Friday, Stuart Skinner took a lot of heat for a horrible gaffe on the third goal he gave up.
Head coach Kris Knoblauch confirmed at the Oilers' skate on Saturday morning that Pickard would be going in as the starter for Edmonton, and Pickard was also seen in the starter's end during the team practice.
Whether this has to do with the change or not in the net tonight isn't clear, but the Oilers are going with their backup as they hope it can lead to some sort of spark.
Pickard served as the Edmonton Oilers' backup goalie last season, compiling a respectable 22-10-1 record with a 2.71 GAA and .900 save percentage over 36 games.
Calvin Pickard Became a Playoff Hero for the Oilers Last Season But the Team Opted to Revert Back to Stuart Skinner
He became a playoff hero after Stuart Skinner once again struggled, stepping in as the starter and leading the Oilers to a four-game comeback against the Los Angeles Kings.
Pickard then won six straight postseason games before the Oilers reverted back to Skinner, ultimately losing to the Florida Panthers in the Final for the second-straight season, much to the heartbreak of Oilers fans.
Pickard was set to resume his backup role for the 2025-26 season, providing reliable support behind Skinner, who is being watched closely as the Oilers consider their options on the goalie market, but these roles could change in the coming weeks.
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 11 | 136 ANSWERS Edmonton Oilers Make Crucial Decision on Starting Goalie for Tonight's Game Is Calvin Pickard the right choice for tonight's game? | ||
| Yes | 113 | 83.1 % |
| No | 23 | 16.9 % |
| List of polls | ||