Oilers’ Skinner to start, McLeod may return for Game 4 against Stars

The Edmonton Oilers are sticking with Stuart Skinner in net for Game 4 of the Western Conference Final against the Dallas Stars.

Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch named Skinner on Tuesday as the starting goaltender for Wednesday’s pivotal matchup at home.

Skinner allowed four goals on 21 shots during Game 3 Monday. Dallas added an empty-netter to win 5-3 and take a 2-1 series lead.

The 25-year-old Skinner holds a 2.76 goals-against average and .885 save percentage over 13 starts during the playoffs. He was benched in favour of backup Calvin Pickard for Games 4 and 5 of Edmonton’s second-round series against the Vancouver Canucks but returned for the final two contests as the Oilers fought back from the brink of elimination to advance.

Knoblauch also said there’s a “good chance” forward Ryan McLeod draws back into the lineup against the Stars.

McLeod was scratched for Game 3 as forward Adam Henrique returned from an ankle injury. Although McLeod has zero points in 14 playoff games, he has been a key part of the Oilers’ penalty kill that has not allowed a goal through 22 consecutive short-handed chances.

Watch Game 4 of the Western Conference Final on Wednesday, starting at 8:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. MT on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+.