from Daniel Nugent-Bowman of The Athletic,

Skinner started the last seven games before Sunday’s 4-1 win over the New Jersey Devils, winning the last six of them. He sported a .913 save percentage in those six victories.

Pickard got the call against the Devils in Skinner’s place and all he did was turn aside 26 of 27 shots, helping the Oilers up their winning streak to seven games. The Oilers have surrendered just 12 goals during that span.

“It’s a combination of everything,” defenceman Darnell Nurse said. “We’ve been defending a lot better, but they’ve been making big saves at big moments, too.

“Usually, you’re not going to get one without the other. It’s shown.”

It wasn’t long ago when the Oilers didn’t have either facet going.

They had an .864 team save percentage — the NHL’s worst — when coach Jay Woodcroft was fired on Nov. 12. That move came two games after high-priced goaltender Jack Campbell was demoted to the minors.

Since then, the Oilers are 9-3 under new coach Kris Knoblauch, while their goalies’ .903 collective save percentage has been more respectable amid a greater emphasis and commitment to defending — particularly off the rush.

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