The Edmonton Oilers are making a goaltender change prior to Game 3 of their Western Conference first-round series against the visiting Los Angeles Kings.
The Oilers are turning to Calvin Pickard in the crease as they look to avoid being pushed to the brink of elimination. Stuart Skinner yielded 11 goals on 58 shots as Los Angeles captured a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
Pickard relieved Skinner midway into the third period of Game 2 on Wednesday, allowing one goal on three shots.
The journeyman goaltender was asked on Friday afternoon how he plans to approach Game 3.
“The same way I’ve approached every game as an Oiler, go out and do my job and give our team a chance to win,” Pickard said. “Obviously the last two games didn’t go as planned in all facets, but we know we have a better effort in this locker room and we know we’re going to do that tonight.”
Pickard, 33, posted a 22-10-1 record with a 2.71 goals-against average and .900 save percentage in 36 games (31 starts) during the regular season.
Skinner, 26, was 26-18-4 with a 2.81 GAA and a .896 save percentage over 51 games (50 starts) during the regular season.
