Knoblauch defended Pickard's effort in that game against high-danger chances from the Panthers. He was pulled in the third period of the Oilers' Game 3 blowout loss after giving up five goals on 23 shots. He was yanked after the first period of Game 4 after allowing three goals on 17 shots. Pickard took over the starter's job for an ineffective Skinner in Game 3 of the first round against the Los Angeles Kings. When the Panthers had a chance to eliminate them in Game 4 of last season's Final, the Oilers rallied for three straight wins to force a Game 7.