Pickard to start Game 4 for Oilers
Edmonton Oilers goaltender Calvin Pickard confirmed he's starting Tuesday's critical Game 4 against the Vancouver Canucks, according to The Athletic's Daniel Nugent-Bowman.
Pickard's start will be his first of the playoffs. He relieved Stuart Skinner for the third period Edmonton's Game 3 loss, stopping all three shots he faced. The limited action was Pickard's first taste of the NHL postseason in his nine-year career.
Skinner has struggled during these playoffs, particularly since the start of the second round. He's allowed 12 goals in three games against the Canucks for a .793 save percentage after owning a .910 clip in five contests against the Los Angeles Kings in Round 1.
After Edmonton's Game 3 defeat, head coach Kris Knoblauch said the club "needs more saves." The Oilers outshot the Canucks 45-18 in the contest but lost 4-3.
Pickard made 23 appearances for the Oilers this season, going 12-7-1 with a .909 save percentage.
Puck drop is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET with Vancouver holding a 2-1 series lead.