It’s shades of Dwayne Roloson all over again.
Numerous sources reported on Sunday morning that Calvin Pickard won’t be in the lineup on Monday, according to head coach Kris Knoblauch.
In the third period of Game 2’s overtime victory, Tomáš Hertl lost his footing, falling on the back of Pickard’s left leg. Pickard was evidently shaken up and allowed the game-tying goal shortly after, but the Oilers eventually won the game in overtime.
Before Saturday’s game, Pickard was ruled out of the Oilers’ lineup for Game 3 and was listed as day-to-day. Stuart Skinner filled in for him and allowed a last-second goal that won the Vegas Golden Knights the game.
Unfortunately, Pickard will also be out for Game 4, meaning that the team will more than likely turn to Skinner once again. On a surface level, Pickard’s numbers aren’t great, posting an .888 save percentage and 2.84 goals against average in seven games, but he makes the big saves the team needs, and in turn, they are 6-0 in Pickard’s starts.
As for Skinner, he’s been one of the worst netminders this postseason, both in terms of advanced statistics and save percentage/goals against average. His -6.4 goals saved above expected is second last in the league, ahead of just Connor Hellebuyck, who has played nine games to Skinner’s three. After three games, Skinner is 0-3-0 with an .817 save percentage and 5.36 goals against average.
Another wrinkle was added on Sunday afternoon, as Tom Gazzola reported that netminder Colin Delia has joined the team. This season with the Bakersfield Condors, he had a .906 save percentage and 2.76 goals against average while serving as Olivier Rodrigue’s backup. However, teams are allowed to have a third-string goalie at the arena, so it’s probably not more than that.
Hopefully, Pickard’s injury isn’t a long-term one, as the team plays significantly better with him between the pipes.
