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Skinner to start in Game 4 against Stars, McLeod potentially returning
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    Skinner to start in Game 4 against Stars, McLeod potentially returning

    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.

    Western Conference Final: Oilers vs. Stars


    Keep up with the latest news and analysis as the Edmonton Oilers face the Dallas Stars in the Western Conference Final. All games can be watched on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+.

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    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+.

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    Oilers just not making the big plays at crunch time against Stars

    The Nashville Predators have announced that goaltender Juuse Saros will be replaced by Pekka Rinne in Game 4 of their first-round playoff series against the Dallas Stars. This decision comes after Saros struggled in the first three games, allowing a total of 12 goals.

    Rinne, who has been the Predators’ starting goaltender for most of the season, will look to provide a spark for his team as they try to even the series at two games apiece. The 36-year-old veteran has a wealth of playoff experience, having led the Predators to the Stanley Cup Final in 2017.

    In addition to the change in net, forward Cody McLeod could potentially make his return to the lineup for Game 4. McLeod has been sidelined with an injury since late March, but has been practicing with the team and is nearing full health. His physical presence could provide a boost for the Predators as they look to match the intensity of the Stars.

    Head coach Peter Laviolette has made it clear that he is not afraid to make adjustments in order to give his team the best chance to win. With their backs against the wall, the Predators will need strong performances from Rinne, McLeod, and the rest of their roster in Game 4 if they hope to keep their playoff hopes alive.