Knoblauch defends Skinner, noncommittal on Oilers' Game 4 starter

Edmonton Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch wouldn't commit to naming a starting goaltender for Thursday's Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final.

"We haven't decided. We'll announce that before the game," Knoblauch told reporters Tuesday.

Stuart Skinner was pulled after allowing five goals on 23 shots in a 6-1 loss in Game 3 on Monday, but Knoblauch defended his performance.

"Stu maybe wasn't on his A-game, but our team wasn't on their A-game in front of him," Knoblauch said. "I don't think there's any bad goals, maybe an extra save. But it doesn't matter how well Stu played last night, it wouldn't have made any difference in the game, most likely. I'm not holding anything against Stu on that performance."

Backup Calvin Pickard entered the game in relief, making seven saves on eight shots.

Skinner has been hot and cold this postseason. He was benched in favor of Pickard in Round 1 against the Los Angeles Kings, but he retook the crease following an injury to Pickard in Round 2 and didn't look back, notably recording back-to-back shutouts to close out the Vegas Golden Knights.

The 26-year-old owns a .894 save percentage overall this postseason. He's posted a .866 mark through three games of the Stanley Cup Final.

Pickard has registered a .888 save percentage in eight appearances this postseason, though he's won all six of his starts.