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Former NHL Goalie Gets Brutally Honest About Oilers' Goaltending Dilemma Ahead of Must Win Game 6

Originally posted on Blade of Steel | By Jack Sutherland | Last updated Jun 16, 2025 1:26 PM ET

Former NHL goaltender Martin Biron is stirring reactions to his recent comments in which he said that Stuart Skinner is a better goaltender than Calvin Pickard.

The Edmonton Oilers took a gamble that goaltender Calvin Pickard could stay undefeated and lead his club to a 3-2 lead in the SCF over the Florida Panthers on Saturday.

The decision backfired, as Pickard and the Oilers lost 5-2 and are now on the verge of a 2nd straight Cup Final loss to the Panthers.

Pickard was declared the starter for Game 5 by coach Kris Knoblauch, a decision he supported by pointing to Pickard's previously undefeated record and his strong outing in relief of Stuart Skinner in Edmonton's 5-4 OT comeback win in Game 4.

Former NHL goaltender and current analyst Martin Biron is stirring some reaction with his recent comments in which he said that Skinner, not Pickard, should be starting for the Oilers for Tuesday's must-win Game 6.

Now, I'm going back to Stuart Skinner for Game 6. I think he's been their number 1 goaltender all season long. He is the better of the two goaltenders, in my opinion, despite the fact that Calvin Pickard's 7-1 in the playoffs. I think you gotta say, 'Listen, Stuart, Stuart, you're the guy. You have to win us a couple of games. We want to win the Cup'.

Obviously, the Oilers have got to play better in front of him, but he's got to get his role. He's got to get the big wall in front of the net. So, I would go with Stuart Skinner. I would boost his confidence, make him feel like this is his net. He's going to go out and win a couple of games. Obviously, it's a tough situation.

Knoblauch has yet to announce which goaltender will start in Game 6 on Tuesday.

This article first appeared on Blade of Steel and was syndicated with permission.

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