The Edmonton Oilers’ championship hopes ended Tuesday night at Amerant Bank Arena, falling 5-1 to the Florida Panthers in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final. Among those watching closely was Wayne Gretzky, who spent nine legendary seasons with the Oilers and offered a pointed critique of his former team following their elimination.
The loss extended Edmonton’s Stanley Cup drought to 35 years, despite a star-studded core led by Connor McDavid. The Panthers executed a near-flawless game plan, taking control early and sealing the win with two empty-net goals late in the third period.
Speaking on Turner Sports postgame, Gretzky questioned the Oilers’ handling of their goaltending situation. “Is this our goalie or not? They gotta solidify that,” he said. “You can’t go into Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals and switch your goaltenders. That’s very rare that it’s ever happened.”
Stuart Skinner’s role under scrutiny
The remark was in reference to the Oilers’ use of Stuart Skinner, who was benched in Games 4 and 5 after inconsistent performances. Edmonton brought him back for Game 6, where he allowed three goals on 23 shots. The late empty-netters only added to the disappointment.
Stuart Skinner #74 of the Edmonton Oilers is hugged by Calvin Pickard #30 following their team’s defeat against the Florida Panthers in Game Six of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena on June 17, 2025 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
The revolving door in net throughout the series raised doubts about Oilers’ strategy. While Skinner had his moments throughout the postseason, the uncertainty surrounding the goalie position became a focal point in the Final.
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For Gretzky, the issue wasn’t just poor play—it was the lack of decisiveness at the most critical stage of the year. His comments underscored a broader concern: the Oilers’ inability to fully trust their goaltending when it mattered most.
Oilers face familiar ending and big offseason questions
Losing to the Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final for the second consecutive season stings even more for a franchise still searching for its first title since 1990—two years after Gretzky’s departure to the Los Angeles Kings.
Despite elite talent up front, including McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, Edmonton hasn’t been able to clear the final hurdle. With expectations growing and a strong core in place, the pressure to finally break through is intensifying.
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Gretzky’s honest take reflects a sentiment felt across the fanbase: the pieces are there, but if the Oilers are to truly contend, goaltending stability can no longer be a question mark.
