'We Need More Saves': Oilers' Game 3 Loss Raises Uncertainty About Game 4 Goalie

Stuart Skinner Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports

The Vancouver Canucks stealing home ice from the Edmonton Oilers didn't only put them up 2-1 in their second-round series. It also launched Oilers backup Calvin Pickard's NHL playoff career, which could continue in Game 4.

Edmonton's defense as a whole has been a major problem in the first three games of this series. The Oilers have 23 giveaways compared to Vancouver's 12 in that span.

But while the play in front of starting goaltender Stuart Skinner has left much to be desired, his ability to make a big save hasn't been where it needs to be. In all three games, Skinner's save percentage is under .850, and he's allowed at least three goals each time.

Having the home crowd in Edmonton could have boosted Skinner's play, considering he had more wins and a better save percentage and goals-against average at home than on the road in the regular season. But there was no bounce back. He allowed four goals on 15 shots and sat on the bench for most of the third period, save for a few seconds late in the third period when coach Kris Knoblauch made a goaltending change to give his players a breather.

"Yes, we need more saves," Knoblauch said post-game. "Tonight, obviously, I felt like that with (Pickard) going in in the third period. Defense, along with goaltending, is very important to winning hockey games, especially in the long term, and it's got to be better."

Skinner was not made available for questions after the game. He could have the chance to bounce back again in this series, but there is no guarantee it will happen on Tuesday's Game 4 at Rogers Place.

"I think tonight's one he'd like to have back, and we'll see what he's got in the future, whether that's Game 4, Game 5 or whatever it is," Knoblauch said. "We'll be seeing Stu again, and we have no doubt that he'll respond and play well."

While Knoblauch wouldn't confirm his starting goaltender for Game 4, leaving the door open to a possible change is an interesting situation for Edmonton.

Pickard only faced three shots on Sunday, stopping them all, so it's a small sample size. But if he does play Game 4 and stands strong to even the series, should the Oilers ride the hot hand in net instead of going back to Skinner?

Edmonton's post-season run may have just entered its most intriguing phase, with little room for error from now on. Pickard's 12-7-1 regular-season mark with a .909 save percentage is worth a look for one full game, but beyond that, the unknown awaits as the Oilers look to keep their season going.