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Oilers Coach Addresses Game 4 Goalie Change After Blowout Loss

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Jun 11, 2025 6:54 AM ET

The Edmonton Oilers are still evaluating their options in goal ahead of Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Florida Panthers.

Edmonton trails 2–1 in the series following a 6–1 loss in Game 3 at Amerant Bank Arena in Florida, with the series shifting back to Canada for Game 5 and the Oilers facing a potential 3-1 deficit heading home on Saturday.

Goaltender Calvin Pickard replaced Stuart Skinner early in the third period Monday after the starter allowed five goals on 23 shots.

Skinner’s postseason numbers against Florida now include a .866 save percentage and 3.74 goals-against average.

"Everyone knows what's at stake & what they need to do. We need to stay focused on the goal... We've always been able to pick ourselves up & carry on."

Coach Knoblauch on the #Oilers flushing last night's Game 3 loss. @Enterprise | #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/9LcZGXdcHb
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) June 10, 2025

When asked about a potential goalie change after Tuesday's practice, Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch left the door open.

“No, we haven’t made a decision on goaltending,” Knoblauch said. “And Stu [Skinner], I don’t think had much chance on many of those goals.”

Knoblauch pointed to the team’s defensive breakdowns, rather than Skinner’s performance, as a key factor in the loss.

“I think a lot of the games where Stu maybe wasn’t on his A-game, our team wasn’t on their A-game in front of him,” Knoblauch said. “So, I don’t think there’s any bad goals. Maybe [we needed] an extra save.”

Knoblauch said Pickard’s Game 3 appearance should be enough to have him ready in case a switch is ultimately made.

“We’re not playing very well in front of him,” Knoblauch said. “So I think it’s one, just allowing Picks some playing time, but also give Stu some time off and not have him play through that circumstance.”

Pickard is 6–0 in the postseason, having replaced Skinner once already after a shaky opening round against the Los Angeles Kings.

Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final is scheduled for Thursday in Sunrise, FL, with puck drop set at 8 p.m. ET.

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

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