HIGHLIGHTS
- The Edmonton Oilers are making a key change for Game 3 tonight.
- Stuart Skinner will start in goal for the Edmonton Oilers in Game 3
- Read below for the full story on the Oilers’ goalie situation
The Edmonton Oilers are making a massive change between the pipes for Game 3 of their Western Conference Second Round series against the Vegas Golden Knights.
Stuart Skinner will get the start in goal tonight at Rogers Place. This decision comes after Calvin Pickard, who has been super solid for the Oilers, did not take part in Saturday’s morning skate for undisclosed reasons.
Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch officially confirmed the switch. “Calvin Pickard is day to day, Stuart Skinner is our starting goalie tonight,” Knoblauch stated.
“Calvin Pickard is day to day Stuart Skinner is our starting goalie tonight.” @EdmontonOilers Kris Knoblauch
— Gene Principe (@GenePrincipe) May 10, 2025
Pickard’s sudden unavailability might be linked to an incident in Game 2. Vegas forward Tomas Hertl fell on Pickard’s left leg during that contest. Despite the collision, Pickard remained in the game, making 28 saves in Edmonton’s 5-4 overtime victory.
Tomas Hertl fell on Calvin Pickard’s left leg and he was in some discomfort 🤕 pic.twitter.com/im0tNtaEkr
— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) May 9, 2025
Pickard has been key for the Oilers in these playoffs, appearing in seven games and winning six of them. He put together an impressive streak, becoming the first Oilers netminder since Grant Fuhr back in 1985 to win his first five playoff starts.
In his seven Stanley Cup Playoff games this year, Pickard has posted a 2.84 goals-against average and an .888 save percentage.
This turn of events means Stuart Skinner will see his first game action since being pulled during the third period of Game 2 in the first-round series against the Los Angeles Kings on April 23rd.
In that initial series, Skinner had a tough time, letting in 11 goals on 58 shots before Pickard stepped in to take over the net.
The Oilers made the switch to Pickard when they found themselves trailing the Kings 2-0 in that series. Pickard totally helped the team bounce back, and Edmonton came through to take the series in six games.
So far this postseason, Stuart Skinner holds an 0-2 record, with a 6.11 GAA and an .810 save percentage. That’s a big change from his role during the regular season when he was the main guy in net.
Here’s a look at Skinner and Pickard’s current playoff stats side-by-side:
| Goalie | Record | GAA | Save Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stuart Skinner | 0-2 | 6.11 | .810 |
| Calvin Pickard | 6-0 | 2.84 | .888 |
Despite his recent playoff numbers, Stuart Skinner has a track record of postseason success. He was an important part of the Oilers’ run to the Stanley Cup Final just last year, where they ultimately lost to the Florida Panthers in a hard-fought seven-game series.
During that 2024 playoff run, Stuart Skinner put together a 14-9 record, along with a 2.45 GAA and a .901 save percentage. The Oilers are aware of his capabilities when he’s performing at his best.
Even with this unexpected lineup adjustment, the Oilers are riding high with a 2-0 series lead over the Golden Knights. All eyes will be on Stu Skinner as he tries to deliver a statement performance for the team.
