(USA Today, NHL)
The oilers and Knights are set to clash in a pivotal game 4 of the Western Conference semis in Edmonton. The Oilers currently lead the best of 7 series 2 games to 1 but the momentum has shifted dramatically in a 4-3 victory for the Golden Knights on last Thursday, where the Knights scored the go ahead goal with .4 seconds left to pull them back into the series.
The Oilers face a huge challenge as there back up who became playoff starter Calvin Pickard is out for game 4 meaning Stuart Skinner will be back in his starting role for the time being. Here is a clip of him at morning skate. https://x.com/TonyBrarOTV/status/1921966553592959049
However Skinner has STRUGGLED in this post season posting a .817 save percentage and a 5.36 goals against average in 3 games played these playoffs. These numbers raise concerns about the Oilers ability to contain the Knights offence.
Despite goalie troubles and defensive woes the Oilers offence is saving there tails right now. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl continue to lead this Oilers team with Draisaitl already having a game winner this series and McDavid scoring a late goal yesterday. This team will have to rely on its offensive depth if they want to beat the Knights. Khris Knoblauch won’t give up on the defence though as he has hinted former Vancouver Canuck Troy Stecher could be making his playoff debut in game 4.
The Oilers are slight Favourites heading into game 4 with the odds makers definitely knowing the offensive fire power the Oilers possess with them having the two best players in the world. If you are a betting man though taking Vegas at plus odds isn’t the worst idea though, Skinner is starting and he has not won a playoff game yet and as long as he is in net anything can happen.
Tonights game 4 is a critical game in this series the Oilers must overcome there defensive and goalie struggles and say they do lose this game the pressure is just gonna get worse and worse for Stuart Skinner, as long as Skinner does not allow more than 4 goals the Oilers have a chance at winning. On the other hand the Knights must aim to build on there recent success and look to return serve and protect there home ice advantage. Fans should expect a close and tightly contested affair tonight any Oilers game this year in the playoffs has been must watch TV and with this game expect no different.