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Oilers Coach Makes NHL Playoffs Goalie Strategy Clear

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Apr 12, 2025 6:40 AM ET

The Edmonton Oilers are heading to the postseason with two goalies on the roster and an unclear plan for how to use them.

Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch confirmed he plans to ride the hot hand when the playoffs begin next week, avoiding naming a Game 1 starter and revealing that things might fluctuate from one game to the next one.

Speaking before Friday's 4-2 win against the Sharks, Knoblauch addressed the competition between Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard, declining to commit to either as the starter for Game 1.

“We are going to play the goalie that's playing the best and giving us the best opportunity to win that night,” Knoblauch said.

To be clearer on goaltending for Game 1 of the playoffs, here’s Knoblauch:

“We are going to play the goalie that’s playing the best and giving us the best opportunity to win that night.” https://t.co/NvpHlhoePO
— Daniel Nugent-Bowman (@DNBsports) April 11, 2025

Skinner, who returned from a head injury Friday to back up Pickard, is scheduled to start two of the team's final three regular-season games.

Pickard got the start on Friday, and he has outperformed Skinner statistically this season. Skinner has outperformed Pickard on the Goals Saved Above Expected metric, according to Money Puck, though his recent injury has left the door open for a rotation.

Skinner has a 2.91 GAA and .894 save percentage across 49 appearances. Pickard made 22 saves Friday and has a save percentage eight points higher in fewer starts (.902 in 30 starts and 35 games) with a 2.36 GAA.

The Oilers clinched their sixth straight postseason berth with the victory over San Jose, but the game also added more questions to their postseason campaign, with both Mattias Ekholm and Zach Hyman leaving due to injury.

Edmonton is already without Leon Draisaitl, Trent Frederic, Jake Walman, and Evander Kane.

“It is a possibility with one of those guys,” Knoblauch said when asked if either player might not be ready for Game 1 of the playoffs. “Will need to talk to the doctor.”

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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