Following a goaltending change during Game 2 against the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday, the Edmonton Oilers appear ready to entrust the net to Calvin Pickard for Game 3.
Pickard participated in the starter`s net during the morning skate, indicating he is the expected goalie for Friday`s game against the Kings at Rogers Place.
“Obviously played a decent amount this year. Feel good about where my game`s at. Going down the stretch there, got some good wins against some good teams … Definitely feel confident going into it. Everybody needs to dig in and have a better effort than we had in L.A.,” Pickard commented on his readiness.
The decision to potentially start Pickard comes after Stuart Skinner, the Oilers` primary goaltender throughout the regular season, was replaced midway through the third period of Game 2. Skinner allowed five goals on 28 shots before being pulled, with three of those goals coming on the power play for the Kings.
Over the first two losses in the series, Skinner, who has significant playoff experience with 37 games played, has conceded a total of 11 goals on 58 shots. This performance results in an .810 save percentage and a 6.11 goals-against average.
In contrast, Pickard has significantly less playoff experience with just four games. However, he posted slightly better statistics in terms of goals-against average and save percentage during the regular season, albeit in fewer appearances than Skinner.
Pickard, a 33-year-old from Moncton, N.B., stated his approach to the upcoming game: “I`m just going to treat it like another game. Do my job, play my game and we`re all going to have a better effort.”
Game 3 of the Oilers-Kings series is scheduled for Friday night at Rogers Place.