Kris Knoblauch Makes Big Goalie Decision Ahead of Must-Win Game 4

The Edmonton Oilers are sticking with Stuart Skinner for tonight's Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final vs. the Florida Panthers, head coach Kris Knoblauch announced Thursday morning, and reported by NHL insider Elliotte Friedman.

There was discussion about a potential goaltending switch after Skinner was yanked early in the third period of Game 3 after allowing five goals on 23 shots in a 6-1 loss.

Calvin Pickard replaced him and made seven saves on eight shots. In spite of the poor performance, Knoblauch is giving Skinner another chance with the Oilers trailing 2-1 in the best-of-seven series.

Skinner has worked through the Final, surrendering 13 goals on 97 shots in three games with a 3.74 goals-against average and a .866 save percentage. He also gave up five goals in Game 2's double-overtime loss at Rogers Place.

Pickard, however, is familiar with substituting for large games. He stood in for Skinner in the first round against Los Angeles, going in Game 3 after a blowout loss in Game 2 and helping the Oilers record a 7-4 win.

He won six straight starts before an injury sidelined him. Still, Knoblauch is confident Skinner can rebound, much like he did early in the playoffs when he carried Edmonton to the Final on a 7-2 record, a 1.83 GAA, and a .929 save percentage in nine games.

Knoblauch had acknowledged earlier in the week that using Pickard could shift the goalie situation for the remainder of the series. But for Game 4, the Oilers are holding fast with Skinner.