A big question looms over the Edmonton Oilers ahead of Game 5 of the 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Final against the defending champions, the Florida Panthers. The series is tied 2-2, and coach Kris Knoblauch faces a dilemma: will Stuart Skinner or Calvin Pickard start in goal?
In Game 4, there was an epic comeback as the Oilers overcame a 0-3 deficit to win 5-4 in overtime thanks to Leon Draisaitl’s clutch performance. In the second period, Pickard came in to replace Skinner and made a decisive contribution to Edmonton’s victory.
A similar situation occurred in Game 3 when Skinner was pulled to make way for Pickard during the Panthers’ dominant 6-1 win. With the series at a critical juncture, neither team can afford mistakes. In this context, the Oilers have now decided who will be their starting goaltender.
Who will be the Oilers’ goaltender for Game 5?
After the recent appearances in the last two games, it is confirmed that Pickard will be the starting goaltender for the Oilers in Saturday night’s game at Rogers Place. This information was first reported by NHL insider Chris Johnston from The Athletic.
Pickard had a crucial relief performance with 22 saves in the Game 4 win, earning the starting job at a time when the series leaves no room for error and every detail is vital to turning the game’s momentum. The goaltender was quick to show his reaction in an interview with NHL.com.
“It’s exciting. A good opportunity for me. I feel like it’s just another game. Obviously, after having time in the last game, with not much time to think and very little room for error, our team really battled, and getting a win gives you confidence,” Pickard said in reaction to his starting role.
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Oilers projected lineup for Game 5 vs Panthers
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins — Connor McDavid — Connor Brown
Vasily Podkolzin — Leon Draisaitl — Corey Perry
Jeff Skinner — Adam Henrique — Trent Frederic
Evander Kane — Mattias Janmark — Viktor Arvidsson
Mattias Ekholm — Jake Walman
Brett Kulak — Evan Bouchard
Darnell Nurse — Troy Stecher
Calvin Pickard
Stuart Skinner