### Oilers Face Goaltending Crisis as Calvin Pickard Expected to Miss Remainder of Vegas Series The Edmonton Oilers are grappling with a significant setback in their playoff campaign as goaltender Calvin Pickard is anticipated to miss the remainder of the Western Conference semifinal series against the Vegas Golden Knights due to injury. This news comes after Pickard, who had been instrumental in the Oilers' success, was injured during Game 2 of the series. His absence raises concerns about the team's goaltending depth as they aim to secure a spot in the conference finals. ### Breakdown of the Current Situation 1. **Injury Update on Calvin Pickard**: - Calvin Pickard is reported to be sidelined for the rest of the series against the Golden Knights due to a lower-body injury sustained in Game 2 [https://www.reuters.com/sports/report-oilers-goalie-calvin-pickard-may-miss-rest-vegas-series-2025-05-13]. - He had been performing well, winning all six of his playoff starts prior to the injury [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/report_oilers_goalie_calvin_pickard_may_miss_rest_of_vegas_series/s1_17050_42185794]. 2. **Stuart Skinner's Role**: - With Pickard out, Stuart Skinner has been thrust back into the starting role. He had previously lost his starting position after a series of poor performances but returned to the net for Game 4, where he achieved a shutout victory [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/oilers_shut_out_knights_close_in_on_conference_finals/s1_17050_42186820]. - Skinner's performance in Game 4 was crucial, as he made 23 saves to help the Oilers secure a 3-0 win, putting them one game away from advancing [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/we_knew_it_was_coming_oilers_not_surprised_about_stuart_skinners_shutout_performance_in_game_4/s1_15245_42189033]. 3. **Team Dynamics and Fan Reactions**: - The Oilers' fanbase has expressed concern over the goaltending situation, particularly regarding Skinner's ability to perform under pressure [https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/nhl/news/can-we-sell-skinner-edmonton-oilers-start-game-4-of-round-2-without-calvin-pickard/articleshow/121118977.cms]. - The team has historically played with more confidence in front of Pickard, which may affect their performance with Skinner back in net [https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/45120713/oilers-expected-pickard-rest-series]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Calvin Pickard's Performance**: - Record: 6-0 in playoff starts. - Save Percentage: .888 [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/oilers_goaltender_calvin_pickard_day_to_day_with_lower_body_injury/s1_17076_42182647]. - **Stuart Skinner's Recent Performance**: - Game 4 Shutout: 23 saves, 0 goals allowed [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/oilers_shut_out_knights_close_in_on_conference_finals/s1_17050_42186820]. - Previous Playoff Record: 0-3 with a 5.36 GAA and .817 SV% before Game 4 [https://www.espn.co.uk/nhl/story/_/id/45120713/oilers-expected-to-be-without-pickard-rest-series]. ### Conclusion: Navigating the Goaltending Challenge In summary, the Edmonton Oilers are facing a pivotal moment in their playoff journey with Calvin Pickard's injury. The team's success now hinges on Stuart Skinner's ability to maintain the momentum established in Game 4. 1. **Calvin Pickard's absence is a significant blow** to the Oilers, as he had been a key player in their playoff run. 2. **Stuart Skinner's performance in Game 4** has provided a glimmer of hope, but consistency will be crucial moving forward. 3. **Fan sentiment and team dynamics** will play a critical role in how the Oilers perform in the upcoming games against the Golden Knights. The Oilers will need to rally together and support Skinner as they aim to close out the series and advance to the conference finals [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/oilers_news_without_goaltender_rest_of_golden_knights_series/s1_17050_42186820].