Breaking news out of Edmonton today as playoff goaltending revelation Calvin Pickard is out with injury and will not start Game 3 for the Edmonton Oilers. Stuart Skinner will be between the pipes.
Calvin Pickard did not take morning skate in Edmonton
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) May 10, 2025
Stuart Skinner told reporters he is starting tonight
How Pickard got injured
Late in regulation in Game 2, Tomas Hertl was involved in a net-front battle and fell on the back of Pickard’s leg near the top of the crease. This caused the goalie some clear discomfort. Pickard was slow to get up and appeared to be shaking it off afterwards, and did not look like he was at 100% following this play.
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
This looks to be that play that prevented Pickard from joining morning skate and starting Game 3.
Back to Stu
Skinner lost the crease to Pickard after dropping the first two games to the Los Angeles Kings in Round 1. However, it’s hard to fault Skinner solely on those two losses and despite Pickard’s 6-0 record in the playoffs, his stats have not been otherworldly.
There was a strong chance that Pickard’s magic would eventually run out and the Oilers would have to turn back to Skinner. This change is happening earlier than anyone wanted it to, but Skinner has had time to rest and observe, and should have a gigantic chip on his shoulder for this game.
The Oilers are absolutely flying right now and there shouldn’t be any concern with Skinner returning to the starting crease.
Hopefully the injury to Pickard is minor and the Oilers will have two solid goaltending options once again.
One Comment