The situation involving Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner presents a challenge, which could be described as the Stuart Skinner conundrum.
Following the team`s 6-2 defeat to the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday, where starting goalie Stuart Skinner conceded five goals from 28 shots, Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch made a change. This performance came just two days after Skinner had given up six goals on 30 shots, including a fluttering shot from Phillip Danault in the final minute that dashed the Oilers` hopes of a comeback.
Speaking to the media on Thursday, Knoblauch described Skinner`s circumstances as “unfortunate,” noting the high volume of dangerous scoring opportunities he faced – specifically, 21 over the two games.
However, Wednesday`s game marked Skinner`s sixth time being pulled from a playoff start in the last three post-seasons, double the number for any other goaltender. He even temporarily lost his starting position in the second round last year, meaning he has limited room for error or skepticism.
Due to Skinner`s struggles in the first two losses against the Kings, coach Knoblauch has decided to start backup goaltender Calvin Pickard for the crucial Game 3 on Friday at Rogers Place.
Knoblauch informed reporters, “We anticipated making a change in goal at some stage throughout the playoffs, especially if we were lucky enough to advance deep into June.”
