The Vegas Golden Knights will host the Edmonton Oilers in Game 1 of the Second Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, kicking off a pivotal series with a trip to the Western Conference Final on the line. Ahead of an electric showdown, reports have surfaced about a potential game-changing decision from Kris Knoblauch on one of Connor McDavid’s key teammates.
McDavid and the Oilers had to suffer and withstand an incredible amount of pressure to prevail over the Los Angeles Kings in the opening round of the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Though the Oilers have left some big question marks unanswered during their 4-2 series victory, they managed to move on, which is the only thing that matters at the end of the day. However, it seems Knoblauch might be considering a shocking change in the Oilers’ weakest position.
After replacing Stuart Skinner in the first-round series and turning to Calvin Pickard for Games 3 through 6, head coach Kris Knoblauch is now reportedly considering placing his vote of confidence back in Skinner ahead of Game 1 against Vegas.
Stuart Skinner #74 of the Edmonton Oilers looks on from the bench against the Los Angeles Kings during the third period in Game Two of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 23, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.
According to TSN‘s Ryan Rishaug, Stuart Skinner took the starter’s net during the Oilers’ practice on Sunday—a bold and potentially puzzling move for Edmonton fans.
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With Calvin Pickard holding a perfect 4-0 record as a starter in the 2024–25 Stanley Cup Playoffs, almost everyone expects head coach Kris Knoblauch to ride the hot hand to support Connor McDavid and the rest of the team heading into Game 1 in Sin City.
Early to tell
Though Knoblauch’s bold move involving Skinner during Sunday’s practice is surprising, it might not be decisive. Pickard is still well in contention to lead out McDavid and the Oilers when they step onto the ice at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
With Game 1 between the Oilers and Golden Knights in the Western Conference Semis scheduled for Tuesday, May 6th, the starter will most certainly be decided during Edmonton’s morning skate on gameday.
Head coach Kris Knoblauch of the Edmonton Oilers looks on against the Chicago Blackhawks during the second period at the United Center on January 11, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.
Pacific Division showdown
The series between the Pacific division opponents is set to be a nail-biting encounter between two of the best offenses in the league. Vegas hopes to reach its third Stanley Cup Final in franchise history, and their second Cup after their conquer in the 2022-23 NHL season.
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Meanwhile, McDavid and the Oilers are hoping to erase the sour taste of last season’s Final loss, as the 2015 first-overall pick looks to finally hoist the Stanley Cup and begin cementing his legacy alongside the all-time greats—while aiming to deliver Edmonton its sixth championship.
