Unless it’s obvious, coaches never really name names in regards to goaltending.
It’s too easy for us writers to figure it out, post about it, and give the player another headache.
So Kris Knoblauch does what all head coaches do — holds his cards close to the vest and reminds all that the Edmonton Oilers have two goaltenders they believe can win on any given night.
Of course fans, media, and the Oilers internally know there’s no clear option A and backup B as witnessed early in the regular season. But Stuart Skinner’s 0-2 record against the Los Angelas Kings, leaves much to be desired compared to Calvin Pickard’s 4-0.
But again, anyone can win on any given night.
“It’s extremely difficult when you have two goalies that you have no confidence in and you’re going back and forth,” joked Knoblauch. “I feel that we’ve got two goalies that can give us a great game every single time. So I would say, I’m very fortunate to have that opportunity.
“Most of the time, a coach has their one A and they ride them right through. So you don’t have to think about it at all. We do have to think about what’s best for our situation.”
So, who’s your starter?
Per the Oilers starting, not starting sides of the ice during their last full practice before game one, Pickard — as expected — is the man between the pipes. Though Knoblauch would say not to read to much into that.
“Since I got here, we got here roughly about the same time, he’s looked like a quality NHL goalie,” remarked the bench boss on wether Pickard is an out-performing third-string goaltender or not. “Right now, this is the most he’s played since probably his rookie year, 12 years ago.”
Remember, Pickard is still referred to as an American Hockey League goalie at times.
“Obviously he’s put in a lot of work. He’s got a lot of talent, and I think he’s enjoying it, and we’re appreciating his good play.”
It’d be hard to appreciate his effort and not start him in game one at the same time.
So Pickard gets the promotion from series filler to series starter and fans can only hope he remains less “leaky” than Adin Hill — a 4.00 playoff GAA compared to Pickard’s 3.00.
Moral of the story — bet the over.
Since the regular season, both Vegas and Edmonton have averaged six goal games, and their respective X bio’s might as well read “we give up a lot, but we score more (most of the time).”
Both teams have dangerous power plays in Mark Stone, Jack Eichel, Leon Draisaitl, and Connor McDavid.
And both have offensive defensemen in Shea Theodore, Alex Pietrangelo, Noah Hanifin, Brayden McNabb, Evan Bouchard, Darnell Nurse, and I guess you could say, John Klingberg.
That’s a scary amount of depth on Vegas’ D though.
As simple and as hockey-wordy as it sounds, this series will depend more on who can keep the puck out of the net, because both teams can put it in.
But just in case you were wondering, Knoblauch was asked who their starting goaltender would be and because this is the NHL, “see you tomorrow,” was all he would say.
Edmonton Oilers expected lines
Draisaitl – McDavid – Perry
Kane – RNH – Hyman
Frederic – Henrique – Brown
Podkolzin – Janmark – Arvidsson
Nurse – Bouchard
Walman – Klingberg
Kulak – Emberson
Pickard
S. Skinner
Extras: J. Skinner, Jones, Ryan, Kapanen, Dineen, Stecher, Rodrigue
