The Pittsburgh Penguins wrapped up the regular season with a 7-5 loss at the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday, but most headlines focused on a decision in net made by the Pens that could carry into the postseason.
Goalie Stuart Skinner started the game, his second in a row, and stopped 17 of 21 shots through two periods. Then, at the start of the third, backup Arturs Silovs took over and allowed two goals on nine shots.
The move came without any injury affecting Skinner's availability, drawing attention given the timing of the swap just days before the Stanley Cup playoffs start.
With no clear No. 1 starter in Pittsburgh's net heading into the playoffs, as both Skinner and Silovs have rotated all year, head coach Dan Muse discussed the decision to pull Skinner while addressing the media after the game.
Brad Penner-Imagn Images
According to Muse, the goalie change was not improvised, but rather part of a broader strategy.
“It was something we talked about before the game,” Muse said. “I discussed with staff, not necessarily saying anything was set in stone, but if there was an opportunity to present itself, just to get both guys some work.”
Muse pointed to the game flow as the main reason for taking advantage of the opportunity and giving both goalies some reps on the same day.
“That was something we were looking to do, and so just decided to (because) we started giving up more than we needed to,” Muse said. “I felt like (Skinner) got a good amount of work.”
The Penguins have leaned on a rotation for much of the season, alternating between Skinner after he arrived via trade (27 games started) and Silovs (38).
The decision to split time on Tuesday comes as Pittsburgh prepares to face the Philadelphia Flyers in the first round of the playoffs.
While NHL teams usually rely on a single starter during the playoffs, Muse’s comments and actions suggest the Penguins could consider a tandem approach.
“I feel good on both guys,” Muse said on Sunday. “Both goalies have been a huge part of why we’re where we’re at.”
The Penguins finished the regular season with a 41-25-16 record and 98 points in 82 games. The schedule for the series against the Flyers has yet to be announced.
