Oilers could shake things up in Game 5 after Kris Knoblauch's cryptic lineup comments
Head coach Kris Knoblauch of the Edmonton Oilers (Credit: Getty Image)
Kris Knoblauch remains tight-lipped about who will start in the net for the Oilers on Saturday. After pulling Stuart Skinner in Game 4 following three goals in the first period, Knoblauch turned to Calvin Pickard, who helped the Oilers claw back into the game and secure a 5-4 overtime win.
Pickard has remained undefeated this postseason with a 7-0 record and delivered a solid relief performance. Despite this, Knoblauch has not confirmed whether he will reward Pickard with the start or return to Skinner, who has been Edmonton's primary goalie throughout the playoffs.
Troy Stecher's role in Game 4 raises questions
Another key area of speculation surrounds the blue line, particularly the usage of defenseman Troy Stecher. Stecher played just over four minutes in Game 4, the lowest on the team, and finished at minus-one before Knoblauch opted to sit him for the rest of the contest.
Knoblauch clarified that Stecher was not benched due to injury but because of a coaching decision. This limited showing may prompt the Oilers to bring John Klingberg back into the fold. Klingberg was scratched for Game 4 in favor of Stecher but has playoff experience and offensive upside that could help spark transitions against Florida's aggressive forecheck.
Oilers return home with momentum and mystery
As both teams traveled from Florida to Edmonton on Friday, the Oilers were buoyed by a dramatic comeback win that evened the series.
With the Stanley Cup Final now a best-of-three and two potential games left in Alberta, Knoblauch's decisions are under a brighter spotlight.
Read more:
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What's clear is that Edmonton's coaching staff sees this as an opportunity to push the edge. Whether that means changes in net, on defense, or further down the lineup remains to be seen. But with the stakes at their highest and momentum shifting back to Canada, Knoblauch's next moves could be the difference in the championship battle.
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