-
Greg Wyshynski
FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida – As the Edmonton Oilers prepare to face the Florida Panthers in a crucial Game 6 on Tuesday, they have decided to return to Stuart Skinner as their starting goaltender.
After experiencing a rough patch in Games 3 and 4 in Florida, Skinner was replaced by backup Calvin Pickard following a disappointing outing in Game 5, which saw the Oilers trailing 3-2 in the series.
“I’m feeling optimistic coming into tonight,” Skinner expressed after the morning skate. “I definitely have faith in my teammates and coaching staff. There’s a strong belief in this room.”
Skinner struggled in Game 4, being pulled after conceding three goals on 17 shots. In contrast, Pickard stepped up, stopping 22 of 23 in a crucial overtime victory that tied the Stanley Cup Final at 2-2. However, in Game 5, Pickard allowed four goals on 18 shots, leaving the Panthers on the brink of clinching the championship.
Skinner was also pulled during the third period of Game 3, where he allowed five goals on 23 shots. Reflecting on his recent sit-outs, he admitted, “It’s tough to watch from the sidelines. My role is to stop the puck when called upon, and when I’m not, it can be frustrating. But I have to trust the process.”
Despite the tough choices, Oilers coach Knoblauch praised Pickard’s contributions, stating that “none of the goals were his fault.” However, in light of the impending elimination, he opts to revert to Skinner.
“Stu has experienced high-pressure games and has performed admirably,” Knoblauch noted. “Given his track record in elimination games last year, we’re confident in him.” Skinner shone during last year’s playoffs, especially in a decisive Game 6 against the Panthers, where he stopped 20 of 21 shots to force a Game 7.
As the Oilers strive to extend the series into a deciding Game 7 back in Edmonton on Friday night, Skinner aims to replicate his previous success.
“Stu has been remarkable in the playoffs,” remarked superstar Leon Draisaitl. “In Game 4, he was stellar early on, and it felt unjust that we didn’t support him. We fully believe in his capabilities.”
At just 26, Skinner held the primary starting position during the regular season, posting a 26-18-4 record in 51 games. However, after conceding 11 goals across the initial two playoff games, he was replaced by the experienced Pickard, who had a won streak until injury reallocated the starting role back to Skinner.
Currently, Pickard’s playoff performance sits at 7-1 with a .886 save percentage, while Skinner holds a record of 7-6 with a .891 save percentage. In lineup changes, defenceman John Klingberg replaces Troy Stecher, and forward Kasperi Kapanen steps in for Viktor Arvidsson.
The Panthers possess a history of difficulties in closing out series, having needed seven games to best Edmonton last year. They have previously stumbled in similar situations this postseason against the Toronto Maple Leafs and Carolina. “We’ll need to match their determination,” remarked defenseman Seth Jones. “But we approach every series with the mindset of playing seven games. Each game is treated with the same intensity moving forward.”