Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

Oilers Coach Addresses Goalie Situation After Game 5 Decision Backfires

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Jun 15, 2025 8:52 AM ET

The Edmonton Oilers' goaltending situation remains unsettled heading into Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final following a decisive 5–2 loss to the Florida Panthers in Game 5.

After starting the younger Stuart Skinner in net for the first four games of the series, Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch opted to go with Calvin Pickard and his perfect 7-0 record in the playoffs leading up to Game 5, a decision that surely backfired.

Asked after Saturday's loss about who will start Game 6, Knoblauch declined to confirm whether Pickard or Skinner will get the call in Tuesday’s must-win game in Florida.

"I'm not going to make that decision right now after a tough loss like tonight," Knoblauch said.

Kris Knoblauch hasn't decided who starts in net for the Oilers on Tuesday for Game 6...

Who would you start? pic.twitter.com/HToqEcQWdu
— BarDown (@BarDown) June 15, 2025

Pickard surrendered four goals on 18 shots, marking his first loss of the postseason.

Knoblauch expanded on what went wrong on Saturday in Pickard's first start since the second-round matchup against the Vegas Golden Knights.

"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."

Florida capitalized early with goals by Brad Marchand and Sam Bennett in the first period, getting to a 3-0 lead 5:12 into the third period.

Despite some pushback from Edmonton, including goals by Connor McDavid and Corey Perry, the Panthers closed out strong to take a 3–2 finals lead.

“Knowing that we're in a difficult situation, win our last two games is something we're confident that we can do," Knoblauch said. "We've been through difficult situations before, and here's just another one that we'll overcome.”

In order to win two games, the Oilers must start with a bounce-back victory in Game 6, scheduled for Tuesday in Sunrise, FL, with puck drop set at 8 p.m. ET.

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

More must-reads: