Skinner will take back the Oilers' crease Thursday for his third start in four games after backing up Calvin Pickard in Edmonton's 3-2 win Tuesday. The 25-year-old has been on a tear for the last half of the season with a 19-4-2 record, .924 SV% and 2.15 GAA in his last 27 games played. He'll host the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday, whose playoff hopes took a hard hit with a loss on Tuesday but have still won four of their last six contests.
The Coyotes have outscored their opposition 8-2 over the past two games (2-0-0) and will turn to Ingram between the pipes for the second time in the last four games. Ingram has showcased mixed results lately but was solid in his last outing, saving 28 of 29 shots (.966 SV%) in a 4-1 victory over the Detroit Red Wings. The Coyotes enter action as sizeable +255 road underdogs against the Dallas Stars.
The Oilers have been openly rotating their goalies over the last few weeks, a trend that continues on Tuesday as Pickard will start for the fourth time in the last eight games. Pickard has been tremendous when called upon lately, including pitching a 41-save shutout in his last outing, a 4-0 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Oilers enter action as significant -389 home favourites.
Walman has averaged over 21 minutes of ice time over his last four games, but is battling a lower-body injury and will not play on Tuesday against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Walman has only one point (1G / 0A) in his last 16 games.
Ungar is an undrafted 22-year-old netminder out of Alberta who has earned himself his first professional contract after an impressive campaign with Brock University (OUAA), posting a 2.15 GAA and .932 SV% in 26 games (20-6-0). Previously, Ungar spent five seasons in the WHL.
After having the night off on Tuesday, Ingram will return to the crease for the Coyotes on Thursday. Ingram allowed six goals on 40 shots (.850 SV%) in his last outing, a 7-4 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks, but was excellent last week against the Detroit Red Wings, posting a 28-save shutout in a 4-0 victory. That said, the Coyotes enter action as +139 road underdogs against a Red Wings club amid a six-game losing skid.
Ekholm was a late scratch for Wednesday's game against the Capitals with the team only announcing his absence shortly before warmups. His absence opens up the door for Troy Stecher to make his Oilers debut.
Mangiapane was a surprise scratch for Tuesday's game, with the team not announcing his absence until the start of warmups. Mangiapane's absence makes way for Martin Pospisil's return from suspension.
Skinner has only started one of the last three games but will return to the crease on Wednesday against the Washington Capitals. His recent inactivity hasn't resulted from poor play as he has been impressive lately, allowing two or fewer goals in five straight (4-0-1), posting a .947 SV%.
Pavol Regenda will replace Jones, who will be out of the lineup due to an illness. Jones has been semi-productive lately for the low-scoring Ducks, tallying five points (1G / 4A), 15 shots, and 18 hits in the last seven games.
Walman did not play in the Red Wings' last outing but will return to the lineup on Tuesday against the Buffalo Sabres. The 28-year-old defenseman has 20 points (11G / 9A), 99 shots, and 141 blocks in 57 games this season.
