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Oilers Head Coach Kris Knoblauch Bashes Stuart Skinner After Replacing Him With Calvin Pickard
In a new press conference ahead of tonight's game, Edmonton Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch took a subtle dig at former starter Stuart Skinner.
After struggling early in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Edmonton Oilers announced that Stuart Skinner would be replaced by Calvin Pickard.
Pickard debuted in Game 3 and, despite giving up 4 goals in the game, he was able to lead his team to a victory.
Since the end of this big win for the Oilers, the question had remained regarding who would start game 4, and earlier today, Knoblauch confirmed it would be Pickard.
When Knoblauch was asked why he had chosen to go with Pickard, he praised his new starter and took a dig at Skinner as well.
Kris Knoblauch Takes An Accidental Shot At Former Starter Stuart Skinner
When asked about sticking with Pickard, the Oilers' bench boss admitted the decision was mostly based on results.
According to Knoblauch, Pickard, when he starts, just seems to find a way to win, and the players seem to give better effort, particularly on defense in front of him.
Calvin, you look at his win-loss record, especially after the January first, finds ways to win hockey games, whether we feel better and play better in front of him or just that he comes up with big saves at key times or whatever it is, but he's able to get that win-loss record, Knoblauch said. "It's pretty flattering for him.
This response, while praising Pickard, also insinuates that the Edmonton Oilers players do not try as hard for Skinner when he is in the net and that Skinner can't find ways to win games.
At this point, results are what matter most on the road to the Stanley Cup Finals, and if Pickard gives the Oilers the best chance to win, he needs to be the starter every game.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 27 | 325 ANSWERS Oilers Head Coach Kris Knoblauch Bashes Stuart Skinner After Replacing Him With Calvin Pickard Who do you believe gives the Edmonton Oilers a better chance to win? | ||
| Stuart Skinner | 52 | 16 % |
| Calvin Pickard | 273 | 84 % |
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