Facing elimination in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final, the Edmonton Oilers are turning back to goaltender Stuart Skinner in a crucial matchup against the Florida Panthers. The Oilers trail the series 3-2, and with their season on the line, coach Kris Knoblauch is hoping Skinner can recapture the form that helped the team reach this stage. The game is scheduled for tonight at 8 p.m. ET at Amerant Bank Arena.
Skinner's playoff journey has been a rollercoaster. After losing the starting job briefly to Calvin Pickard early in the playoffs, he regained his position and played well, especially in the Western Conference Final against the Dallas Stars. However, his performance in the Stanley Cup Final has been inconsistent. In Game 4, Skinner was pulled after allowing three goals on 17 shots in the first period. Pickard stepped in, leading the Oilers to a 5-4 overtime victory and leveling the series. Despite this, Pickard started Game 5 but was unable to replicate the success, as the Oilers fell 5-2 at home.
Knoblauch's decision to go back to Skinner reflects confidence in his ability to perform under pressure. "Stu has been in a lot of high-pressure games and has played really well," Knoblauch said. "You look at the amount of elimination games he's played, there was six last year, and every single (elimination) game he's played in were really solid, if not spectacular performances. We've got a lot of confidence in him.” Skinner himself expressed confidence, stating, "I'm feeling good coming into tonight. I definitely know that I have the confidence from my team 100 percent. I think there is a lot of belief here."
Echoing the coach’s sentiment, Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl voiced his support for Skinner, emphasizing the team's trust in his capabilities. "(Skinner) was really good. It was us that let him down," Draisaitl said, referring to Game 4. "He's had incredible games this year. There's just a trust factor that we know that he can get the job done for us.”
In addition to the change in goal, the Oilers are also adjusting their lineup, with Kasperi Kapanen returning to the forward lines in place of Viktor Arvidsson, and John Klingberg re-entering the defense, substituting Troy Stecher. These changes indicate a desire to inject fresh energy and experience into the lineup as they face this critical game. “John's played some really good playoff hockey (and) there's not much hesitation to have him play,” Knoblauch said. “When (Kapanen is) dialed in, he's a really good hockey player. He brings a little of everything.”
For the Florida Panthers, this game presents an opportunity to clinch their first Stanley Cup since the 2024 season. They are aiming to capitalize on their strong home record and close out the series in front of their fans. The Panthers have demonstrated their ability to control games early, making it crucial for the Oilers to start strong and avoid falling behind.
As the Oilers face this must-win situation, the spotlight will be on Skinner to deliver a strong performance and backstop his team to victory. With a blend of confidence from his teammates and a few lineup adjustments, the Oilers are hoping to extend the series and bring it back to Edmonton for a decisive Game 7.
