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Kris Knoblauch Addresses Edmonton Oilers Goaltending Situation For Do Or Die Game 6

Originally posted on Hockey Latest | By Jack Sutherland | Last updated Jun 15, 2025 10:48 AM ET

Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch addressed the elephant in the room following his team's 5-2 loss to the Panthers in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final.

The Edmonton Oilers turned to Calvin Pickard in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final, giving him his first start of the series after he successfully replaced Stuart Skinner in goal after the 1st period of Game 4, a dramatic 5-4 OT win.

However, his fortunes weren't as good in Game 5 as he allowed 4 goals as part of a 5-2 loss to the Panthers; he and the Oilers now trail the series 3-2.

Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch was asked about which of his goaltenders he's considering giving the start to in their upcoming do-or-die Game 6 in Florida on Tuesday.

Knoblauch remained non-committal, saying it wasn't the right time to make a tough decision like that after a disappointing loss.

I'm not going to make that decision right now after a tough loss like tonight. From what I saw, I think Picks didn't have much chance on those goals, and you know, breakaways, shots through screens, slot shots, you know. There's nothing saying that it was a poor performance, so, that's what I see from it now.

Pickard saw his previously undefeated streak in the postseason finally broken, as he had gone undefeated through his 1st 7 games.

He first entered in relief of Skinner in the WCQF against the Los Angeles Kings and won 4 consecutive games, followed by another pair of wins over the Vegas Golden Knights, before the Oilers eventually went back to Skinner.

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

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