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Former NHL Goalie Sounds Alarm on Oilers' Cup Chances Amid Growing Concern

Originally posted on Hockey Latest | By Daniel Lucente | Last updated May 7, 2025 3:42 PM ET

Former NHL goalie Carter Hutton bashed Oilers goaltender Calvin Pickard, saying the team will not lift a Stanley Cup unless Stuart Skinner gets the #1 job back.

Former veteran NHL netminder Carter Hutton doesn't see the Edmonton Oilers capturing the Stanley Cup if Calvin Pickard is their No. 1 goalie for the duration of the playoffs.

Although Pickard did his part in a fifth consecutive win in Game 1 , a 4-2 comeback victory over the Vegas Golden Knights, Hutton spoke on Sportsnet's '590 The FAN' podcast that he believes the Oilers will eventually require Stuart Skinner in the crease to be able to make a deep playoff run.

'I don't think the Edmonton Oilers are lifting a Stanley Cup if Calvin Pickard is their goalie. At some point, you're going to see Stuart Skinner.'
- Carter Hutton

Hutton referenced Pickard's recent triumph but also Skinner's upside and previous performances as essential considerations.

Hutton mentioned Skinner's solid last season and capacity to recover from poor performances, referencing the Vancouver series as proof of such resilience.

Hutton believes that Skinner has a higher ceiling than Pickard

It's Skinner's higher ceiling that Edmonton will have to utilize when dealing with quality playoff opponents, said Hutton.

Pickard made 15 saves in Game 1, bringing his postseason numbers to a 2.76 goals-against average and a .897 save percentage. While fine, Hutton thinks those stats may not prove quite good enough as the level of play becomes higher.

'And that's nothing against Calvin, because he's been unbelievable and he's been serviceable, but you're going to get to a point where three or four goals against is not going to get it done,' Hutton added.

Oilers' Leon Draisaitl, Zach Hyman, Connor Brown, and Corey Perry each tallied for Edmonton, with both of Vegas' markers coming from Mark Stone. Adin Hill had 24 saves for the Golden Knights. Game 2 is set for Thursday at T-Mobile Arena.

This article first appeared on Hockey Latest and was syndicated with permission.

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