EDMONTON, AB – The Edmonton Oilers are facing a critical moment in their playoff run as they prepare for Game 3 of their second-round series against the Vegas Golden Knights. With a 2-0 lead in the series, the Oilers will be without their standout goaltender Calvin Pickard, who is day-to-day with a lower-body injury sustained during a collision with Golden Knights forward Tomas Hertl in Game 2.
Pickard, who has been a revelation in the playoffs, finished Game 2 with 28 saves, helping the Oilers secure a thrilling 5-4 overtime victory. His performance has been pivotal, leading the Oilers to six consecutive playoff wins, a streak that ties him for the fifth-longest in franchise history with legends Andy Moog and Grant Fuhr.
“For Picks to go on this run throughout the playoffs without a loss is really remarkable,” said Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch. “We’re very fortunate to have two goalies we have a lot of confidence in.”
In Pickard's absence, Stuart Skinner will step into the crease for the first time in this postseason. Skinner, who had been pulled during the first round against the Los Angeles Kings after allowing 11 goals in two games, is eager to seize this opportunity. “It’s an opportunity again for me to go into the net and do my job and just give these guys a chance to win,” Skinner stated.
Skinner's regular-season performance included a record of 26-18-4, with a goals-against average of 2.81 and a save percentage of .896. However, his playoff stats tell a different story; he enters Game 3 with a 6.11 goals-against average and .810 save percentage from his previous playoff appearances.
“I’ve been here before, so nothing is that new to me,” Skinner added. “I’m excited to go back to the net. I’ve had some time to work on some things, and I’m ready to go.”
The Oilers are banking on Skinner's past playoff experience, where he went 14-9 in 23 playoff starts last year, leading the team to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final. Knoblauch expressed confidence in Skinner, recalling his solid performance in the playoffs last year. “We’re expecting Skins to come in and deliver what he’s done before,” Knoblauch said.
Meanwhile, the Golden Knights are also dealing with their own injury concerns. Head coach Bruce Cassidy confirmed that forward Pavel Dorofeyev, who scored 35 goals during the regular season, will return to the lineup after missing three games due to injury. However, the Knights will be without defenseman Brayden McNabb and forward Brandon Saad, both of whom did not participate in the pre-game skate.
McNabb suffered an arm injury after a hard collision into the boards during overtime of Game 2, while Saad is dealing with a lower-body injury sustained in the same game. Cassidy labeled both players as day-to-day, leaving their availability for future games uncertain.
As the series shifts back to Edmonton for Games 3 and 4, the Oilers will look to capitalize on their home-ice advantage. The atmosphere at Rogers Place is expected to be electric, with fans eager to support their team in this crucial playoff matchup.
The stakes are high as the Oilers aim to extend their series lead against a formidable opponent. With Skinner back in net and the team riding the momentum of their recent success, the Oilers are poised to make a strong push for victory.
The playoff journey is filled with challenges, and both teams are prepared for a tough battle on the ice. As the puck drops, the Oilers will need to rally behind Skinner and continue their winning ways to maintain their edge in the series.
“We’re excited to get back in there,” Skinner said, reflecting the sentiments of the team. “It’s just about going out there and playing our game.”
With the series at a pivotal juncture, fans can expect an intense and thrilling game as the Oilers and Golden Knights clash once again.
