The Edmonton Oilers are facing a pivotal choice between Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard as the starting goalie for the must-win Game 6 against the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final. This goaltending decision carries significant implications not only for the immediate outcome but also for Skinner’s future with the team.
NHL analyst Craig Simpson emphasized on Sportsnet 590 that the Oilers’ direction depends heavily on who starts net on Tuesday. He argued that if Skinner is not chosen, it could signal that he won’t be part of the Oilers next season, making this decision a defining moment for both player and team.
Performance Challenges for Both Goalies During the Series
Throughout the Stanley Cup Final, goaltending inconsistencies have been a major concern for Edmonton. Calvin Pickard, who started Game 5 for the first time in the series, struggled by allowing four goals on 18 shots, which resulted in his first playoff loss of the postseason.
Meanwhile, Stuart Skinner has also had tough outings. He was pulled in Game 3 after surrendering five goals on 23 shots, and again in Game 4, when he gave up three goals on 17 shots in the opening period before being replaced. These performances have left Oilers fans and coaching staff cautious about the best option moving forward in the series.
Coach Kris Knoblauch Weighs Factors in the Start Goalie Decision
Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch has not yet made his call on who will start in goal for Game 6. On Monday, he acknowledged the complexity of the decision, mentioning factors such as player confidence and workload as important considerations.
“Knowing who they feel is going and who they feel confident at that time. And then there’s also the workload and numerous things we can think about,” he said via NHL.
Knoblauch’s measured approach underlines the pressure and importance of the goaltending choice ahead of the crucial matchup at Amerant Bank Arena.
Simpson Advocates for Skinner as the Team’s Best Chance in Game 6
Craig Simpson strongly supports starting Skinner in the net, underscoring that the Oilers have to commit to him to secure their future.
“For me, it’s got to be Stuart Skinner. [Skinner] is either going to hit a home run or strike out. I think there’s no question you’ve got to go back to Skinner. If you don’t go with him, you probably can’t have him back next year. So you go with him and give him the opportunity,” Simpson said.
“Can he win two games in a row? Yeah, he’s done that numerous times. Could he pitch a shutout? I wouldn’t even be surprised if that happened. That really has been his MO, especially during these playoffs,” he added.
Simpson highlights Skinner’s ability to rise to the occasion, noting his previous playoff performances demonstrate resilience and the potential for a shutout, which could be decisive for the Oilers in Game 6.
Upcoming Tense Matchup to Decide Oilers’ Fate
Game 6 is scheduled for Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET at Amerant Bank Arena, with the Oilers needing a win to stay alive in the Stanley Cup Final. The starting goalie decision will be critical to the team’s efforts to extend the series and influence roster moves next season. The outcome will reveal not only the best choice in net for this contest but also where the Oilers’ goaltending future lies.