Woodcroft noncommittal on Oilers' Game 2 starter

Edmonton Oilers head coach Jay Woodcroft will wait until Thursday to name a starting goaltender for Game 2 of the Western Conference Final against the Colorado Avalanche.

Mike Smith was pulled from Game 1 on Tuesday after allowing six goals on 25 shots. Mikko Koskinen made 20 saves in relief, but Colorado took home a wild 8-6 win in the series opener.

"We'll determine Mike's status and Mikko's status tomorrow," Woodcroft said, per Sportsnet.

Smith was also yanked in Game 1 of Round 2, a 9-6 win for the Calgary Flames. However, Woodcroft immediately committed to the veteran starting Game 2, and Smith responded with four consecutive wins and a .922 save percentage to close out the series.

If Smith is back in the crease Thursday, Woodcroft believes he can bounce back again.

"I think with Mike Smith you know what you're getting," Woodcroft said. "You talk about someone who's consistent in his process. Mike Smith is a true professional. He's able to have a short memory on some things. He's going to work to be the best he can be."

The Avalanche are dealing with uncertainty between the pipes as well. Colorado's No. 1 netminder Darcy Kuemper sustained an upper-body injury in Game 1 and it's unclear whether he'll be ready for Game 2.

Copyright (C) 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.