Former Avalanche draft-pick sends Stuart Skinner a shocking message after saving Oilers' season
Photo credit: X.com / NHLonTNT
After the first period of Game 4, the Edmonton Oilers found themselves in a all-too-familiar position, trailing the Florida Panthers by three goals, desperately needing a spark, and once again calling on backup goalie Calvin Pickard.
For the second game in a row, Stuart Skinner was pulled, this time-after surrendering three goals on 17 shots in just the first period, opening the door once again for Pickard to take the crease.
Calvin Pickard sends Stuart Skinner a blunt message after Game 4 on Thursday.
Antonio Losada from Athlon Sports writes that the 32-year-old stepped up once again, just as he has throughout the playoffs, and spoke after Game 4 about his unexpected appearance, offering praise for his teammate despite Skinner's rough outing before being pulled.
«I felt for [Skinner] today. He came ready to play today, he made some big saves early, we just didn't have it as a team early and I think [Knoblauch] just wanted to switch it up.» -Pickard
This time, the change paid off. Pickard turned aside 22 of 23 shots in relief, conceding a late equalizer with 20 seconds left in regulation before Edmonton sealed a 5-4 win in overtime. It wasn't just a clutch showing, it felt personal.
"Pickard started the playoffs with a strong first-round run before suffering a lower-body injury in Game 2 against Vegas. Skinner reclaimed the net from there and helped the Oilers reach the Stanley Cup Final. But after a shaky stretch following Game 1, including allowing 13 goals in three games, the net is shifting again." -Losada
Together, Pickard and Skinner have notched 14 wins this postseason, but Pickard stands out with a flawless 7-0 record. In nine appearances, six of them starts, he's posted a 2.69 GAA and a .896 save percentage.
With the series now deadlocked at 2-2 and Game 5 set for Saturday in Edmonton, Pickard looks firmly cemented as the starter as the Stanley Cup Final shifts into a best-of-three series.
Previously on Avalanche Insider
| POLL | ||
JUIN 13 | 27 ANSWERS Former Avalanche draft-pick sends Stuart Skinner a shocking message after saving Oilers' season Do you think Calvin Pickard is a lock to start Game 5 for the Oilers? | ||
| yes | 19 | 70.4 % |
| no | 8 | 29.6 % |
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