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Henrik Lundqvist Makes Clear Pick for Oilers' Starting Goalie in Game 6

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Jun 15, 2025 7:54 AM ET

The Edmonton Oilers are once again facing elimination, down 3–2 to the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final after a 5–2 home loss in Game 5.

Hockey Hall of Famer goalie Henrik Lundqvist believes it’s time to make a change back in goal after Edmonton decided to change their starter for Game 5 and saw that decision fire back.

Calvin Pickard got the nod for his first start since the second round and struggled, allowing four goals on 18 shots and earning his first loss in eight starts this postseason.

The Panthers capitalized on their chances, while Sergei Bobrovsky outplayed his counterpart in net, stopping 19 of 21 shots.

The season-defining question... Skinner or Pickard in Game 6? pic.twitter.com/tf9V4VpsfE
— NHLonTNT (@NHL_On_TNT) June 15, 2025

Lundqvist didn’t mince words during Saturday’s "NHL on TNT" broadcast of the game following the Oilers' loss.

"I'm going back to Skinner," Lundqvist said. "Yep, it’s the number one guy. Pickard did an amazing job in Game 4, came in and stole it for them (but) tonight, I didn’t think it was that good.

"Not really bad goals, but I would have wanted one or two saves on the fourth, really. In the end, Stu has been the starter throughout the year. I think he earned this opportunity to try to make a difference for them in Game 6."

Head coach Kris Knoblauch was more measured postgame while addressing Pickard's performance in Game 5.

“From what I saw, I think Picks didn’t have much chance on those goals — breakaways, shots through screens, slot shots,” Knoblauch said. “There’s nothing saying that it was a poor performance.”

Edmonton now flies to Florida, needing two straight wins, one on the road and one back home if they get to force Game 7, with the next must-win game scheduled for Tuesday in Sunrise.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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