On the backbone of a stellar month from Skinner, the Oilers are riding a 10-game winning streak heading into their Tuesday evening matchup against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Over his last seven games (7-0-0), Skinner has been nearly unbeatable, allowing fewer than three goals six times and posting a tremendous .951 SV%.
Emberson left Tuesday's game vs. Toronto after 21:49 due to an undisclosed injury and will now be out week-to-week as he recovers. The 23-year-old rookie has been one of few bright spots in San Jose this season, with his goal, six assists, 22 SOG, two PIMs and -2 plus/minus in 21 games prior to his injury.
Pickard has settled nicely into his role as the Oilers' backup netminder and has been serviceable in limited action when called upon. The Oilers are riding an eight-game winning streak, with two wins courtesy of Pickard, in which he saved 51 of 56 shots (.911 SV%). The Oilers have an excellent opportunity to extend their winning streak to nine games as -160 road favourites on Thursday against a Detroit Red Wings club that is suddenly surging, winning four of their last five games (4-1-0).
Walman was battling an illness that prevented him from practicing on Wednesday but he will be ready to play on Thursday against the Edmonton Oilers. In his last five games, Walman has four points (1G / 3A) while averaging nearly 20 minutes of ice time per night.
Despite scoring two points (1G / 1A) for the Sabres on Tuesday night, Skinner suffered an upper-body injury at some point and, after receiving an MRI on Wednesday, has been deemed week-to-week with an upper-body injury. Expect JJ Peterka to be the main beneficiary, as he was stellar earlier this season during a brief stint where Skinner was out of the lineup.
Walman is battling an illness that prevented him from practicing on Wednesday. In his last five games, Walman has four points (1G / 3A) while averaging nearly 20 minutes of ice time per night.
Despite scoring two points (1G / 1A) for the Sabres on Tuesday night, Skinner suffered an upper-body injury at some point and received an MRI on Wednesday. If Skinner misses any time, expect JJ Peterka to be the main beneficiary, as he was stellar earlier this season during a brief stint where Skinner was out of the lineup.
The red-hot Oilers will return to Skinner on Tuesday in a favourable matchup against the injury-depleted Chicago Blackhawks. The Oilers are riding a seven-game winning streak, and, as such, are significant -448 road favourites against a Blackhawks club whose leading active point-producer only has 23 points (8G / 15A) in 33 games. In addition to the already advantageous circumstances for the Oilers, Skinner has been tremendous between the pipes. While winning his last five starts, Skinner has allowed two or fewer goals four times, boasting a sensational .948 SV%.
The red-hot Oilers will likely return to Skinner on Tuesday in a favourable matchup against the injury-depleted Chicago Blackhawks. The Oilers are riding a seven-game winning streak, and, as such, are significant -448 road favourites against a Blackhawks club whose leading active point-producer only has 23 points (8G / 15A) in 33 games. In addition to the already advantageous circumstances for the Oilers, Skinner has been tremendous between the pipes. While winning his last five starts, Skinner has allowed two or fewer goals four times, boasting a sensational .948 SV%.
