The Edmonton Oilers are on the brink.
Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final is slated for Tuesday night at the Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Fla. With the Oilers trailing the Florida Panthers 3-2 in the series, it’s a do-or-die situation: win to force a Game 7 back on home ice. Or lose, and the season ends with the Panthers lifting the Cup, just like last year.
Pressure Mounts as Edmonton Oilers Revert to Trusted Formula
Head coach Kris Knoblauch is turning back to Stuart Skinner in goal. The 25-year-old was first off the ice during morning skate and later confirmed as the starter. It’s the same goaltending setup the Oilers opened the series with, and it comes with a couple of lineup tweaks.
Defenseman John Klingberg and winger Kasperi Kapanen are also expected to draw in.
Kris Knoblauch confirms Stuart Skinner starting and John Klingberg and Kasperi Kapanen back in.
Oilers back to their Game 1 lineup. pic.twitter.com/AxOi6cNsIf
— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) June 17, 2025
Skinner hasn’t been at his best lately. He’s allowed three goals in his last appearance and posted a save percentage of .824 in that game. But Knoblauch isn’t dwelling on recent numbers. He’s sticking with the guy who’s been the team’s top option all season and most of the playoffs.
Skinner also shared his thoughts on the decision.
“My job is to stop the puck when I’m told to go in the net,” he said. “Sometimes I get told that I’m not.”
After Game 5 Loss, Coaching Staff Turns to Stuart Skinner
Through 14 starts this postseason, Skinner holds a 7-6 record, a 2.99 goals-against average, and a .891 save percentage. On paper, those aren’t stellar stats. But Skinner has shown up in big moments before. In Games 5 through 7 over the past two playoffs, he’s gone 9-1 with a 1.70 GAA and a .918 save percentage. That track record, especially under pressure, is what the Oilers are counting on now.
The change comes after Calvin Pickard got the nod in Game 5, where he allowed four goals on 18 shots. Knoblauch defended Pickard, saying, “Picks didn’t have much chance.” However, the coaching staff ultimately felt it was time to return to Skinner.
Pickard stepped in earlier in the series and owns a 7-1 playoff record, with a 2.85 GAA and .886 save percentage. His Game 4 performance helped keep the Oilers alive. But in Game 5, the team needed more, and they didn’t get it. Knoblauch admitted the decision wasn’t easy.
“It’s just ultimately who we feel is in the best position to win us a game,” he told reporters “And that’s pretty much how the games have gone previously, and who’s looking really well at that moment, and then we make our decision.”
There could be more riding on the decision than just Game 6. Sportsnet’s Craig Simpson suggested that sitting Skinner again might impact his long-term role with the club.
“I don’t think there is any question, you gotta go with [Stuart] Skinner. If you don’t, you probably can’t have him back next year,” Simpson said, “So you go with him and give him the opportunity.”
Game 6 begins at 8 p.m. ET. For Oilers, it’s simple: extend the series or see their season end on enemy ice. The pressure is on, and so is Skinner’s gear.
