Skinner has been downright bad for several stretches this season but Pickard has played like 12/15 of his games against absolute doormats. His toughest 2 starts were NJ and a busted MIN team. His typical opponents are the likes of ANA, NSH, CHI, etc., etc., with no appreciable difference in counting stats relative to Skinner. It is wild to say Pickard has been better, full stop. His point% is right in line (I think actually slightly below) our point% against bottom half-of-the-league teams. Which makes sense, because that contingent of teams makes up the vast majority of his starts.
I am all for upgrading the position (better backup or 1A/1B to push Skinner makes sense) but the move is not to start playing Pickard more than Skinner.
As for last night's game, Skinner definitely muffed a goal which is unfortunately not an unusual occurrence. I continue to worry about the team's lack of finish as well. But as I've stated many times this is a good team and with some luck and health we should have a long run again. I mean, if Drai and Kane aren't shells of themselves due to injury in the Finals last season we are all still happily hungover.